5 Things We've Learnt From Sunderland's Friendlies So Far
2. The Deadwood Needs To Go
Highly notable during this summers pre-season have been the appearances of our forgotten stars Alfred NDiaye, Adilson Cabral, Modibo Diakite, and Valentin Roberge, players whos very existence were questioned at various stages of last season as they failed to get even close to the first team at a struggling relegation bound club. These men arrived a mere twelve months ago under the fanfare of the Di Canio era, yet a mere year later they have been consigned to the dustbin of football, strutting their stuff at such footballing outposts as the Victoria Ground and Brunton Park, hoping to impress someone, anyone, who can remove them from their Sunderland hell. As frustrating for Poyet as the lack of incoming transfers, will have been the lack of outward movement for these highly paid, underperforming players. Quite simply they have to be shipped out. Alfred NDiaye doesnt fit into Poyets footballing philosophy, and struggled with Betis last season as they fell through the relegation trapdoor in La Liga. A loan move back to Betis is the most likely option, although the player remains unimpressed with life in the second tier of Spanish football. Cabral is another player whos lifestyle and attitude negates his footballing ability, and a loan move into Europe is a likely option. Diakite meanwhile seems unwanted by Fiorentina, although his use as a makeweight in the Marcos Alonso deal, may finally see the lumbering centre back fall off our wage bill. Valentin Roberge is the only likely player of this quartet to remain. The left footed centre half has hardly set the world on fire during his time on Wearside, but he remains a decent enough back up player, and should our defensive transfer targets fall by the wayside, he could yet still have a future at Sunderland.
