With the dust settled on Sunderland Under-21s’ Premier League International Cup outing against Borussia Dortmund II at the Stadium of Light, attention now turns to the individual performances on the night.
Graeme Murty handed valuable minutes to a blend of youth and experience, with first-team players Lutsharel Geertruida, Luke O’Nien, Chris Rigg and Dennis Cirkin all involved as they continued their work to stay sharp.
Sunderland lost 3-1 to Dortmund II on the night after some sloppy play from the back, which capped off a disappointing evening for the young Black Cats on home soil. Here is how each player rated following the final whistle:
1. Adam Richardson
Adam Richardson started in goal and didn't have much to do until Dortmund's penalty. The shot stopper did, however, produce a superb one-on-one save to keep the score at just 1-0 seconds before the half-time whistle. Beaten at range by a good strike for the second Dortmund goal. Played a really poor ball out from the back, which resulted in Dortmund's third of the evening. Nearly repeated the same trick not long after, but made up for it with a save. A tough night for a really talented goalkeeper. 4 Photo: Frank Reid
2. Finlay Holcroft
Finlay Holcroft started at right-back but was moved to centre-back in the second half. Struggled to deal with Dortmund's lively attackers. 5 Photo: Ben Cuthbertson
3. Luke O'Nien
Luke O'Nien was in from the start at centre-back. Carried the ball out from the back very well, and his passing was impressive in the first half, though he did give away a couple of fouls. Was part of a defence which fell apart in the second half. 5 | Luke O'Nien
4. Lutsharel Geertruida
Lutsharel Geertruida was deployed at centre-back alongside Luke O'Nien. Played well with the ball at his feet, and also made a few crucial interceptions. Looked a cut above and didn't even really get out of first gear. Planned sub at half-time and then ot all seemed to fall apart for Sunderland. 7 | Chris Fryatt