5 Things We've Learnt From Sunderland's Friendlies So Far
5. We Need More New Players
A hardly ground-breaking statement, but with three weeks to go until the season gets under way, it is clear that Sunderland's squad is severely under strength. This is the team that had the greatest of greatest escapes last year, surviving by the skin of their teeth, yet you could argue we are weaker than the side that spent nine tenths of the campaign submerged amongst the relegation fodder at the foot of the table. Billy Jones is no better than Phil Bardsley, Patrick Van Aanholt no improvement on Marcos Alonso, Jordi Gomez has a similar goal record to Jack Colback, whilst Costel Pantilimon is not much an improvement on the unfortunate Keiren Westwood. Add to this the loss of Fabio Borini, Craig Gardner, Santiago Vergini, Ki, and Nacho Scocco, and it seems we are down to the bare bones. The pre-season games so far have highlighted this, with swarms of kids replacing the first team after an hour in each contest; yes it has worked in the friendlies, but this wont be entertained in the Premier League. Thankfully we still have time. The Borini, Alonso, and Vergini deals remain very much alive, whilst the rumours of Jack Rodwell and Cristian Rodriguez arriving refuse to go away. Add to this a central defender and we will almost be there. Lets just hope Lee Congerton doesnt turn out to be another Roberto Di Fanti in disguise.
