Stephen Elliott: This Sunderland player has the potential to play in the Premier League

Dion Sanderson came into the team at left-back on Saturday and I have to say I was really impressed.
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He showed good composure on the ball and considering he was in an unfamiliar position his tactical discipline was excellent.

It is because of how much at ease he seems on the ball that you know is going to have a bright future in the game.

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That said, Denver Hume has really improved over the last 12-months and he’d have been a great help if he was available to play on Saturday.

Sunderland's Stadium of Light.Sunderland's Stadium of Light.
Sunderland's Stadium of Light.

He could have added that bit of direct running that was missing from the game.

There was a tonne of space available down the right-hand side due to Northampton doubling up on Aiden McGeady and a player like Hume could have capitalised and given them something extra to think about.

Those two could really go on and become a good combination down the left-hand side for Sunderland as their style compliments each other.

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I believe McGeady would benefit from Hume occupying the opposition’s left-sided defenders with his running.

In turn, this would give him a bit more space to provide that magic we had all become accustomed to seeing before Phil Parkinson’s arrival and his subsequent expulsion.

Back to Sanderson, I wouldn’t be opposed to seeing him line-up as one of the two centre-backs and I think that will indeed end up being his strongest position.

I’d be surprised if he doesn’t go on to play in the Premier League regularly in the future, either for his parent club or someone else.

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Here’s hoping he gets a promotion under his belt at Sunderland first.

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