Various reports suggest Sunderland are plotting an audacious bid for FC Porto hitman Moussa Marega. If David Moyes is successful in landing the Mali international, who is currently on loan at Vitoria de Guimaraes, it could really turn their season in the second half.
However, Sunderland won’t have it easy it seems as big English clubs like Liverpool and Tottenham have also kept a keen eye on the player and would surely swoop in if the opportunity arises. According to TalkSport, both Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur had sent scouts to monitor the forward and both have returned with positive news on the 25-year-old Mali International.
Given Sunderland’s situation, it seems plausible that they would do everything in their power to bring in the player to provide competition to the likes of Defoe and Anichebe up front.
Marega has impressed this season by scoring 10 goals already in the league and also bagging 2 assists in 10 appearances. The 183 cm forward could prove to be a decent aerial threat in the Sunderland squad, who otherwise lack tall players up front. With this addition, Moyes could ease the goal-scoring burden on Jermain Defoe.
Marega’s stamina could be a huge asset for the team’s playing style. Sunderland mostly play on the counter, and the need for their strikers to work hard is imperative. Marega likes to tackle and chase defenders, which puts him in a superior position than Defoe who has aged now and lacks the needed fuel.
However, the beastly forward does have some weaknesses regarding his discipline and providing passes. It seems like his attitude to hassle prevents him to be more composed on the ball and in the game. He also loses the ball often while holding on to it. If he opts to join English top flight football, then he would have to improve and fast.
David Moyes came to the hot-seat left by Sam Allardyce as the latter got the England job in the summer and the fans had big hopes from the former Everton and Manchester United manager. However, the start of the season has been a big letdown. It was majorly due to the long injury list the Black Cats had for quite some time now.
Although they have won two games in a row, tougher games are on the horizon and things could soon become sombre again, so strengthening in the winter window is a must.
