What West Ham defender Frederik Alves hopes to learn at Sunderland as new signing reveals what fans can expect

New Sunderland signing Frederik Alves believes he can learn a lot at Sunderland and says he will give everything to help the club win promotion from League One.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The 21-year-old centre-back has signed for the Black Cats on a season-long loan deal and could make his debut at Burton this week.

When asked what Sunderland fans can expect from him, Alves told the club’s website: “They can expect a football-playing centre-back.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I like to play football a lot and obviously this is a big club in League One so I expect us to have the ball a lot.

Frederik Alves playing for West Ham Under-23s.Frederik Alves playing for West Ham Under-23s.
Frederik Alves playing for West Ham Under-23s.

“Also, I can jump high and am fast so they can expect a physical player.”

Alves joined West Ham from Danish side Silkeborg IF, where he played 50 senior games, in January and made 12 times appearances for the Hammers’ under-23 side last season.

The defender was also part of the Denmark Under-21s squad which reached the quarter-finals of this summer’s UEFA European U21 Championship finals.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"A player can always use games in his career,” added Alves when asked about that experience.

“The Euros against Germany was a big experience for me so that’s what I like to bring on.”

The defender now feels a move to Wearside will help the next stage of his development as he adapts to the nature of English football.

“I feel like I can learn English football, the heartness and intensity of the play,” added Alves.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

I just think I can learn a lot from Sunderland and bring it along with me in my career.

“I was told that the squad doesn’t have many senior players and has many players coming up from the youth.

“That’s a very good sign for me and the club’s development. I’m very happy to hear that.”

Despite the young make-up of the squad, Alves is under no illusions what the aim is at Sunderland this season, with the Black Cats aiming to win promotion from League One at the fourth attempt.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I will do everything I can to help the club get promoted and am ready to give 100 per cent,” the defender added.

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Sunderland AFC coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor