Sunderland handed Dennis Cirkin boost after Stadium of Light scenes
Dennis Cirkin was at the heart of a 7-1 win for Sunderland U21s against Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday.
The game took place at the Stadium of Light as the Black Cats grabbed their first win in the U21s Premier League International Cup.
Cirkin has been out injured with a wrist problem since July for Sunderland, and has yet to make his first Premier League appearance of the season.
Sunderland fans know that Cirkin is important to Regis Le Bris and that their head coach could do with the flying full-back making a return sooner rather than later.
However, following Cirkin‘s performance in midweek, it seems like the Englishman could make a return as early as after the international break.
Dennis Cirkin grabbed a goal and an assist vs Bilbao
Sunderland fans have seen the likes of Wilson Isidor shine in the Premier League, as many players from the Championship have made the step up.
There’s no doubt that Cirkin can play in the Premier League; it’s just about him getting fit now, but his display against Bilbao was a massive step in the right direction.
Cirkin vs Bilbao:
- Minutes: 62
- Goals: 1
- Assists: 1
Journalist James Copley watched from the stands and shared on his X account exactly what he thought of Cirkin’s performance.
Copley said: “As you’d expect, but Dan Neil and Dennis Cirkin have been superb so far. They look really sharp. Good intensity there too.”
Cirkin will have been delighted to get 62 minutes of football under his belt, but he now faces competition in the first team.
Cirkin has stiff competition for a spot
When Cirkin left the Sunderland squad with injury, he was the first-choice left-back at the time.
Fast forward in time, and Sunderland have invested heavily in their squad, and now have the likes of Reinildo and Arthur Masuaku at left-back.
| Games | Goals | Assists |
| 39 | 3 | 2 |
However, Sunderland fans will be fully convinced that Cirkin will be able to compete with the new signings.
Who knows? Perhaps the competition will bring out the best in him, as he rarely put a foot wrong in the Championship last season.
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