Sunderland Defender Might Play Essential Position in Premier League Survival Hopes
It’s an thrilling time to be a Sunderland fan.
After defeating Sheffield United within the playoff last, Sunderland have splurged closely with the intention to put together for his or her first Premier League season in 9 years, investing on 15 completely different gamers. Two of these gamers — Marc Guiu and Lutsharel Geertruida — arrived on mortgage, with Guiu returning to father or mother membership Chelsea simply days after arriving on mortgage because of Liam Delap’s damage.
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One other two of these gamers arrived on free transfers: Reinildo Mandava and Arthur Masuaku. And while Reinildo he began in every of Sunderland’s first three Premier League matches, he faces stern competitors from Masuaku on the left again place.
Born in Lille, Masuaku bounced round numerous French golf equipment earlier than making the transfer to Greek giants Olympiacos in 2014, the place he gained helpful UEFA Champions League expertise and emerged as probably the most thrilling younger left backs within the recreation. These performances attracted the eye of West Ham, who signed him in 2016, with the DR Congo worldwide continuing to rack up 128 appearances for the Hammers earlier than making the transfer to Besiktas.
Masuaku shaped a stellar fullback duo alongside and helped the Turkish heavyweights win the Turkish Cup and Turkish Tremendous Cup in 2024, scoring 3 objectives and 18 assists in 108 appearances, earlier than deciding to return to England and be part of Sunderland on a two-year contract on August 10.
“Usually, once I communicate with [Masuaku], I inform him each time he’s s**t, however right here, I’ll say the reality. I like him rather a lot, for me, he’s an excellent participant,” acknowledged Rosier. “I’ve informed him many instances, I don’t know why he doesn’t play within the largest membership, as a result of once I noticed some gamers within the largest golf equipment, I’d see Masuaku as a greater participant.”
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“He is aware of the Premier League and I believe he’ll ship a pleasant season at Sunderland, however he’s additionally a very good particular person. In soccer, it’s uncommon to search out folks like that, however he has a pleasant coronary heart, and I like him rather a lot. He’s like my brother and I’m joyful for him to hitch Sunderland and return to the Premier League. He’s a really good participant. Okay, he doesn’t prefer to defend, however with the ball, he’s a really good participant.”
Versus Reinildo, who had a full preseason to regulate to Sunderland’s tactical plan, Masuaku has needed to be taught on the job. It’s why he remained on the bench during their 2-0 loss to Burnley and 2-1 win vs. Brentford, with Reinildo being most well-liked on the left aspect of protection. Nevertheless, Regis Le Bris however gave him an opportunity to shine on August 26 within the second spherical of the EFL Cup.
Picture: IMAGO
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Masuaku made three clearances and one interception and blocked one shot, while he additionally showcased his creativity by finishing 81 out of 89 passes (two key passes) and two out of three crosses. He received two out of two floor duels, one out of 1 aerial duel, created one large probability, registered two key passes and accomplished 12 out of 16 lengthy balls. And though he was unable to cause them to victory, with Huddersfield City prevailing on penalties, he however left a optimistic impression on Sunderland followers.
Can Masuaku make his Premier League debut for Sunderland on September 13 at Crystal Palace?