How Jake Vokins fared on his Sunderland debut and the big left-back dilemma now facing Lee Johnson

At the start of the season, this position was a pillar of strength for Sunderland.
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In Denver Hume, the Black Cats had a left-sided defender well-equipped to their system and able to contribute effectively in both halves.

But his continued absence through injury has seen the left-back position become something of an area of concern. Callum McFadzean has deputised, but he only ever looked a temporary solution.

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The January signing of Jake Vokins, it was hoped, would help to negate this perceived weakness and the Southampton youngster was handed a debut at MK Dons on Saturday.

How Jake Vokins fared on his Sunderland debut and the big left-back dilemma now facing Lee JohnsonHow Jake Vokins fared on his Sunderland debut and the big left-back dilemma now facing Lee Johnson
How Jake Vokins fared on his Sunderland debut and the big left-back dilemma now facing Lee Johnson

But it was far from the performance the 20-year-old would have hoped for on his first outing.

In the first-half, MK Dons targeted Sunderland’s left flank – perhaps knowing that the left-back can often be isolated when quick counter-attacks are launched as Aiden McGeady attempts to weave his magic at the other end.

The Dons were able to create a number of overloads on the left flank which left Vokins with a tricky task in dealing with the likes of Matt O’Riley, Ethan Laird and the roaming Scott Fraser.

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It was perhaps telling that both MK Dons goals came via balls from Sunderland’s left-handed side. That’s not to say Vokins was directly responsible, as that wasn’t the case, but the hosts certainly had some joy in getting at the youngster as he lacked support.

In a defensive regard then, it was a testing afternoon for Vokins.

And one of the major disappointments of the day was that we didn’t get much opportunity to see the loanee flex his muscles in an attacking sense.

Vokins’ delivery from the flank has been lauded by his parent club but chances to get balls into the area at stadium:mk were scarce. He did attempt one free-kick midway through the second half which was wayward – but did at least yield a corner.

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There is undoubtedly more to come from the Southampton man, and there will be games that will be more suited to his skillset and where opportunities to contribute in the final third are more forthcoming.

But in the short-term, Lee Johnson has an interesting dilemma on his hands ahead of the trip to Shrewsbury Town on Tuesday evening.

With Callum McFadzean sidelined for up to ten days, the simple call would be to hand Vokins another start against the Shrews – a side who are starting to hit a promising vein of form.

But we could see a more left-field approach taken, with Dion Sanderson having looked solid at left-back in the past.

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The Wolves youngster impressed in a brief cameo off the bench in Milton Keynes and has looked an assured defender in the games he has played this season.

He may not offer the attacking output that Vokins does, and is arguably more accustomed to playing as a central defender, but could be a sturdier option at the back.

It’s an interesting dilemma to ponder for Johnson, and it’s a position to keep a close eye on in the coming weeks.

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