Sunderland signed Nilson Angulo from Anderlecht during the January transfer window.

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has suggested that he is pleased with Nilson Angulo’s progress since arriving on Wearside, and has reiterated his belief that the winger has what it takes to make an impact in the Premier League.

The Ecuadorian international joined the Black Cats from Anderlecht for a fee of around £17.5 million during the latter stages of the January transfer window, and has been eased into Le Bris’ first team plans over the course of the period since.

A brief debut cameo against Arsenal was followed by starts against Liverpool and Fulham, before a promising substitute appearance in a 1-1 draw away at Bournemouth last weekend. Angulo then returned to the starting XI in midweek, putting in a spirited display as Sunderland battled their way to a 1-0 win over Leeds United at Elland Road.

What has Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris said about Nilson Angulo?

And speaking in a press conference earlier this week, Le Bris was quick to praise his new signing for the manner in which he is growing into his role in the Premier League. When asked if he had seen enough to suggest that Angulo can make a success of his time in England, the Sunderland head coach responded: “Yes, I think so.

“He's young and he's still adapting to a new team and a new level. He has the profile to be a strong winger in the Premier League, 100%. After that, it's a question of adaptation. His physicality is huge in the Premier League. We spoke this morning about the experience in Bournemouth. It was tough, but his response was really positive, which shows that he has this ability now. When he starts again, it's a bit different. When you come off the bench, the story of the game is a bit different. I think it will be good getting out of the bench. Now, starting is a bit different, but I hope it will be good soon.”

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Angulo is still yet to score or assist for Sunderland, but did post encouraging numbers during the first half of the campaign with Anderlecht. Across 22 Belgian top flight outings, he registered six goals and seven assists, while also appearing in qualifying fixtures for both the Europa League and Europa Conference League.

Addressing the Black Cats’ decision to sign Angulo this winter, then-sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said: “Nilson is an incredibly exciting prospect, and we are delighted he’s chosen to join Sunderland. A quick and creative wide player, he excels in all the core actions required to impact the final third, and he arrives ambitious to make an impression. He’s young but has already had many interesting experiences as a senior player domestically, on the European stage, and internationally with Ecuador. We are delighted to have completed this signing and look forward to welcoming Nilson to Wearside.”

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