Kevin Danso has flown under the radar since joining Sunderland, in my opinion. A hard, dominant and motivated defender, he has been nothing short of flawless in what we have seen from him in a Sunderland shirt so far.
When the link first emerged during the transfer window, I wasn’t too sure what to think, if I’m being honest. I can’t say I had seen a great deal of him at Tottenham and, looking from the outside, I was slightly concerned by the fact he struggled for regular minutes in a Spurs side that
had endured a difficult couple of seasons. However, like every new signing, he deserved a chance and I was more than willing to back him as soon as he pulled on the red and white stripes.
Fast forward a few weeks and it is becoming increasingly clear why Sunderland were so keen to bring him to Wearside. Danso possesses many of the qualities that supporters love to see in a centre-back. He is aggressive without being reckless, dominant in aerial duels and appears to relish the physical side of defending. More importantly, he seems to enjoy defending. In an era where centre-backs are often judged primarily on their ability in possession, there is something refreshing about watching a defender who takes genuine pride in keeping the ball out of his own net.
What has stood out most is his penalty-box defending. Time and time again, he has thrown himself into challenges, won crucial headers and put his body on the line when Sunderland have needed him. Against Arsenal, when Sunderland spent long periods defending deep, Danso looked completely at home. Crosses into the box were dealt with confidently and there was a real sense of authority about his performance. He gives the impression of a player who thrives when the pressure is on.
That said, I have also been pleasantly surprised by his quality on the ball. By all accounts from Spurs supporters, distribution and progression weren’t necessarily considered the strongest parts of his game. Yet, in Sunderland’s system, he has looked comfortable receiving possession, carrying the ball forward and helping the team build attacks from the back. He may not be the most expansive passer in the squad, but he has shown more than enough composure to fit seamlessly into Régis Le Bris’ style of play.
Another aspect that deserves credit is how quickly he has adapted. Danso has arrived at a new club, in a new environment, and immediately been asked to perform in high-pressure Premier League and European fixtures. There has been very little bedding-in period. Instead, he has gone straight into the starting line-up and delivered consistent performances.
He has also had to operate in a variety of defensive combinations. Against AZ Alkmaar, he lined up alongside Omar Alderete, while throughout the opening weeks he has found himself playing alongside different full-backs and wing-backs, including Trai Hume, Nordi Mukiele and Thomas Meunier. For many defenders, constantly changing partnerships can disrupt rhythm and communication, but Danso has taken it all in his stride. His performances have remained at a high level regardless of who is alongside him.
Perhaps most impressive of all is the mentality he has brought to the side. Sunderland’s squad is full of young talent, but Danso offers something slightly different. He brings experience, leadership and a willingness to do the dirty work that often goes unnoticed. He never seems rattled, never seems flustered and simply gets on with his job. Those are qualities every successful team needs.
With Sunderland competing on multiple fronts this season, defenders capable of maintaining concentration and consistency will be invaluable. So far, Danso looks exactly like that type of player. He has quietly become one of the first names on the team sheet and one of the foundations of Sunderland’s impressive defensive record.
He looks the perfect defender for a Régis Le Bris side, and it is becoming increasingly obvious why Florent Ghisolfi pushed so hard to bring him to the club during the summer. If these opening performances are anything to go by, Sunderland may have secured one of the bargains of the window.
Here’s hoping he can continue this fine vein of form.
