Le Bris could put Reinildo on the bench by releasing Sunderland’s new Cattermole
Sunderland fans will look back on the 2025/26 season, when all is said and done, as a resounding success.
Unlike Burnley, who were promoted to the Premier League last campaign alongside the Black Cats, Wearside look set to sit comfortably in the top flight, having passed one season, with Regis Le Bris’ men currently in 11th place in the division.
Ironically, if the season were to end today, the Black Cats would also finish above their arch-rivals, Newcastle United, but that doesn’t mean the campaign has been flawless.
Indeed, Sunderland’s defensive weaknesses were clear to all last time out, as they shipped four goals to Aston Villa in the Premier League last season, with Reinildo likely to face the ax in the process.
Why Le Bris can replace Reinildo after Villa
Sunderland almost got the result at Villa Park, despite conceding four goals, the Black Cats’ never-say-die attitude was evident, when they leveled the game at 3-3, late in the second half.
Unfortunately, Tammy Abraham would have the last laugh for the hosts, as Luke O’Nien’s men failed to get enough of the former AS Roma striker, to prevent him from beating the onrushing Robin Roefs, as the clock ticked down to the 93rd minute.
Alongside the eager number 13 to have a difficult afternoon in the Midlands, Reinildo was not at his usual best, as forwards such as Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins had a field day against the Atletico Madrid centre-back.
The Mozambican player has played very well at left back this season, as he has collected 19 points in 19 Premiership games.
But, on this occasion, he suffered a very bad day, was defeated by zero, and the property was given away eight times.
As a result, Villa will grow in confidence that they can beat Roefs again, knowing they can easily outplay the 32-year-old, leading to Abraham’s late winner.
With an equally lackluster display against Arsenal in February, further exposing his weaknesses, winning just three of 11 duels, it remains to be seen whether Sunderland will continue with Reinildo going forward, as he enters the twilight of his career.
With the upcoming clash with Nottingham Forest, Le Bris may be tempted to swap Reinildo for a different presence on the left side, possibly a new version of the Black Cats’ Lee Cattermole…
Le Bris may issue a new Cattermole
Sunderland could have done with Cattermole’s well-known grit at Villa Park, in an attempt to stem the tide after Villa’s attack.
Never a standout player on Wearside, the Black Cats’ long-running captain was still regarded as a key player throughout his 262 appearances for the club, thanks to his hard-hitting nature, Cattermole was described as a “true leader” by his former team-mate Craig Gardner.
Having made 262 Premier League appearances, Cattermole must look back on his fiery career at Sunderland with pride, as Trai Hume now tries to replicate his long playing days in the top flight with the Black Cats as an equally dynamic and dynamic player.
The Northern Irishman remains a much-loved servant at the Stadium of Light, and has 167 appearances for the club under his belt, as his journey began when the sleeping giants were relegated to League One.
Now, he should be returned to the starting XI against Vitor Pereira’s men, in the bright light of the Premier League, after a command cameo against Unai Emery’s management.
Indeed, Hume did not stop from the moment he was dragged into the back-and-forth affair, scoring seven goals and winning duels in just 27 minutes of play, to live up to his “hero” fee, which he had previously been given by his manager.
|
Hume vs Villa inspired cameo |
|
|---|---|
|
Mathematics |
Hum |
|
Minutes played |
27 |
|
Goals were scored |
1 |
|
Knockdown won |
2/3 |
|
Duels won |
5/6 |
Getting Sunderland’s second goal of the day, with Cattermole also having the occasional strike here and there for the Black Cats, it is clear that the 24-year-old should start the upcoming campaign against Tricky Trees, as he is a clear fan favourite.
Left back is not his natural position, right back is better.
But, he will give his all, no matter where he is thrown, with Cattermole – and – even playing as a right midfielder, to fill the gaps, for his favorite team.
They may be the highest profile names in this side and this club, but every successful team needs a Cattermole or a Hume to do the dirty work.
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