First and foremost, let’s hope that the latest international break, during which several of the Lads jetted here, there and everywhere in order to represent their countries, hasn’t led to any serious injuries for Sunderland’s players — particularly where our midfield is concerned.
With Habib Diarra already a medium-term absentee, the last thing we would’ve wanted to have seen was footage of Noah Sadiki moving less then freely during DR Congo’s international camp (the result of an ankle sprain, according
to Sunday evening and Monday morning’s social media chatter) and everyone will doubtless be hoping that it’s a minor concern and something from which Sadiki can recover soon rather than a full-blown setback.
Naturally, being stripped of two such vitally important midfielders would undoubtedly lead to nerves jangling and a good deal of muttering about “typical Sunderland” and the like, and whilst the honour of seeing our players representing their countries should be a source of pride, this is the risk you always run by building a squad filled with exciting young prospects who are considered international class. Not ideal, but simply part of the modern game.
Could we cope with the loss of a player who’s not only proven to be a valuable and selfless member of the side, but whose physical attributes seem tailor-made for the Premier League? Possibly, but it would pose Régis Le Bris another dilemma and given the visit of Wolves represents a golden (excuse the pun) opportunity to get back down to business with a victory, it’s fair to say a rejig in midfield wouldn’t be ideal.
Don’t get me wrong: Granit Xhaka is an elite operator, Enzo Le Fée has already proven that he’s more than good enough for this level, and Chris Rigg’s time will most certainly come. They’re fine footballers and crowd favourites but depth is key, the workload needs to be shared and if the strength and depth of our squad is to be tested due to injuries, nobody should be ruled out.
With this in mind (the possibility of Lutsharel Geertruida doubling up as an auxiliary midfielder will doubtless be discussed if it turns out that Sadiki isn’t fit for Saturday), one would assume that if we apply the “next cab off the rank” theory, Dan Neil’s chances of seeing more game time will possibly increase as a result.
Naturally, if Neil does find himself in the picture for Saturday’s game and beyond, it’ll generate a heated debate and there’ll be questions about his ability to step into the breach, but as a longtime defender of the homegrown midfielder, I can’t help but feel optimistic about the likelihood of him seeing more time in the team — and for what we can probably safely assume to be hard work on the training ground to be rewarded.
When the captaincy was transferred from Neil to Xhaka — the result of a decision that’s been fully vindicated thus far and has hopefully eased the extra burden on his shoulders — the big question concerned his response and how he’d deal with the loss of an honour he’d doubtless cherished.
Thus far, there’s been absolutely no suggestion that he’s reacted negatively. Le Bris places high value on players showing selflessness and a team ethic, and you get a sense the pragmatic Frenchman wouldn’t be keen to push a player of his quality to the fringes.
Like those he played alongside during our climb back up the footballing pyramid, has Neil not earned a crack at proving himself at this level? He might be out of contract at the end of the season with no breakthroughs made on a new deal as yet, but frankly, I don’t care. Like any player who’s currently fit, game ready and on the club’s payroll, he should be considered as eligible for selection as anyone else, and Le Bris shouldn’t waver on that.
If Neil’s learned anything from the opening games of the season, during which we’ve looked often more than competitive in midfield, it’s that the pace is more frenetic than in the Championship and time on the ball far more limited, but the club hasn’t placed years’ worth of faith in him for nothing and unless he’s given the opportunity, whether Neil can cut the mustard at this level will remain an unanswered question — something I wouldn’t like to see happen.
If he gets the call for Saturday or at any time during the coming weeks, it’ll be a wonderful opportunity for a player who’s already seen a lot during his Sunderland career. I want to see him evolve into a top flight player, and he simply needs to be ready and not daunted or overawed by the challenge of the Premier League.
