Regis Le Bris must make brutal Dan Neil axe call at Sunderland
Sunderland summer signing Salis Abdul Samed is edging closer to match fitness and Regis Le Bris may be forced into a difficult decision in regards to Dan Neil.
Samed arrived at the club on a season-long loan from RC Lens and was met with excitement amongst Wearside due to his high stature in the game.
A Ghanaian international with 91 top-flight appearances in France as well as seven in European competitions, Samed is held in very high regard and the capture of his signature provided a real sense of intent from the Sunderland board.
Talking to Sunderland’s club channels [31 August] after concluding the loan deal, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said: “We are delighted to welcome Salis to Sunderland. He’s a defensive midfielder player, who is disciplined in and out of possession.”
However, his arrival could prove detrimental to Neil, who has come in for his fair share of criticism this season, and Samed’s return should allow the midfielder some time to recharge.
Salis Samed has to start for Sunderland
Neil certainly has a lot of fans across Wearside and has been a regular again this season. However, his performances this season have been somewhat lacklustre in comparison to what many will associate with him.
That is potentially down to the new role he is asked to play as a solo sitting midfielder behind two slightly higher.
His error against Watford leading to the match-winning penalty outlined his defensive frailties and know-how when it comes to protecting the back line.
Neil has the quality, and a lot of it. However, when a Champions League-level midfielder is available, let alone one who has regularly excelled in the role required, it’s a no-brainer when it comes to team selection.
Samed’s ability to read the game in front of him makes him the perfect candidate to play the holding midfielder role and his experience of top-flight football can only aid the development of the players around him.
In other Sunderland news, a supercomputer has predicted how the Championship season will pan out, revealing the likelihood of Sunderland achieving promotion.
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