It is turning out to be a common sight for the football fraternity to see Sunderland in all sorts of trouble and helplessness halfway into the season. More often than not, they are withered and battered by the animosity that the Premier League offers and find themselves clambering at the closing stages to stay in the top tier of English football. But somehow, they have earned the unsaid recognition of ‘Premier League Escapology Experts’ as they have been managing to stay averse to relegation.
The scenario is still the same this term as well. The Black Cats have mustered merely four wins in 21 outings, thus loitering deep down in the league table at the moment. Moreover, the timing of Africa Cup of Nations is also likely to take a toll on them cause their three first team players, namely, Lamine Koné, Wahbi Khazri and Didier N’Dong, out on national duty with their national sides. Thus, David Moyes has been reduced to a worried man who needs to utilise this January transfer window. Aren’t the omens much more terrifying this time?
This is a déjà vu moment for Sunderland. However, some sort of solace and confidence are being sniffed at the Stadium of Light as apparently, the wheels have been laid on the rails to sign Norwich City’s stupendous midfielder, Robbie Brady, owing to his brilliant form in the Championship so far. Sunderland need quality in the middle of the park and let’s not forget that Moyes is a longtime admirer of the Republic of Ireland international, which is why he is seriously pursuing the path of luring him into his ranks.
Brady has undoubtedly been lethal from the wings for the Canaries, having scored 3 goals and assisting as many in 19 appearances (and yes, he has created 31 chances as well). He has been lively up front, knitting the side together with his passes. He’s an excellent crosser, a dead ball specialist and someone who never refrains from catering to the defensive duties as well. Frankly speaking, he is a prized asset due to the fact that he ticks almost all the boxes for a wide midfielder.
If Sunderland can succeed in acquiring the services of the 25-year-old who has already accumulated more than 200 club games, they will lay their hands on a prized asset of the game. Throwing cash to coup Brady shall be a calculated risk and he can, if used intelligently, definitely be the impetus Moyes has been vouching for to make Sunderland do what they do the best, i.e., avoiding relegation, somehow.
Statistics Credits: Squawka.
