Sunderland fell to a 5-3 defeat at Manchester City on Sunday afternoon but there were positives to take

When Enzo Fernández whipped a free kick into the top corner to put Manchester City ahead in the ninth minute on Sunday, you were left with the feeling that Dayann Methalie's Premier League debut was about to go one of two ways.

Methalie has roared into the game in the opening minutes, driving forward with the ball and showing an admirable willingness to get forward and take risks on the ball. Even in five minutes, you could see why Sunderland were so keen to sign him from Toulouse this summer. Yet the move that led to City's opener was also a reminder of his inexperience, Methalie jumping in a little too early near the halfway line and allowing Iliman Ndiaye to get away. Forced into a foul on the edge of the box, Methalie was facing 80 minutes against one of the Premier League's most dangerous wingers on a yellow card. Sink or swim, then.

That booking undoubtedly forced him to be a little more cautious through the rest of the game, but it will encourage Sunderland that from there he was able to produce a performance of real maturity. Despite the booking he was able to get through his defensive work thereafter with relatively little trouble, winning six duels and making eight defensive contributions. While this probably wasn't the ideal game for him to show off his attacking skills, there were flashes of his very impressive ability to carry the ball forward and to make strong overlapping runs. As Régis Le Bris said afterwards, the potential is huge.

When Sunderland return from the three-week international break, Methalie has left Le Bris with a very welcome selection dilemma. The difference between Methalie and Reinildo is both obvious and understandable, Methalie's lack of experience inevitably meaning he can be a little bit more rash in his defensive actions and jumping into challenges. In his year at the club so far, Reinildo has shown the defensive quality consistently that allowed him to play regularly in one of the best defensive structures in Europe at Atlético Madrid. As Sunderland continue to build a more proactive side, however, Methalie's speed and dribbling open up new possibilities. In particular, it was impossible not to think watching some of the little exchanges down the left flank here at Man City that against different opponents and on home turf, Methalie's ability to create space and take opposition players with him is going to give the winger in front of him an awful lot of welcome attacking support. While Sunderland will be wary to ensure they are not exposed to counter attacks, it will help Nilson Angulo, Malick Fofana or Chemsdine Talbi not to be 1-v-2 so often when they receive the ball.

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Reinildo's quality, experience and consistency is crucial for Le Bris and also gives him the very welcome freedom to integrate Methalie slowly and to pick the right moments for him to play. Even if it's from the bench in certain games, that extra energy can help add another dimension to the team. This was undoubtedly a difficult Premier League debut, making it all the more encouraging that Methalie was able to come through it. Lots to learn, but a very good platform to build from.

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