This post is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, which features unique perspectives from our FLW Fan Pundits on the most recent breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings, and more… Sunderland’s start to the season has been outstanding, and their young group is continuing to produce fantastic results both at home and away. Their 2-1 victory over Luton Town at Kenilworth Road in midweek demonstrated their character, as the Black Cats held firm in an outstanding defensive display to earn the squad another three points.
It ensures they remain top of the Championship table heading into the weekend, three points ahead of Burnley and Leeds United. Regis Le Bris has done miracles in his early days at the Stadium of Light, and while some anticipated them to struggle after losing Jack Clarke in the summer, fresh faces have taken the reins, while those who have been with the club for a time have continued to produce. However, with the January transfer market only two months away, there will be concerns that some of Sunderland’s finest players may be poached, and those who are critical to the team’s strategy may be sought by Premier League clubs.
Fan Pundit Makes January Window Claim Although Le Bris’ side has had a fantastic first 11 matches, the next few weeks will be critical in determining if they can contend for the crown or just be in contention for the play-offs. Nonetheless, if they keep up their current pace, they will be in the top two by the end of the season, but preserving their aces is a priority right now, and they must not allow themselves to be weakened in the transfer window. Football League World asks Sunderland Fan Pundit Wayne Doran which player he believes cannot depart in January.
He told FLW: “I believe Dennis Cirkin is the main player that Sunderland cannot afford to lose in January. He’s extremely important to the squad right now because we don’t have any or enough cover in that left-back position. “He provides that blend of energy; he gets forward, assists the wingers; he’s versatile, strong, and skilled in the air. “It truly makes him indispensable.”
Wayne concluded: “Losing him in January would be a huge loss. Especially given it’s difficult to replace a player of his caliber in the middle of the season, and, as I previously stated, his ability to move up and down the pitch while providing an attacking threat makes him a player Sunderland simply cannot afford to lose in January.” Cirkin is essential to Sunderland. Dennis Cirkin’s future is very bright at 22, and he is a Premier League player in waiting, but he must not rush for that moment. His contract does not expire until the end of the 2025/26 season, giving him plenty of time to attempt and succeed with Sunderland rather than jumping at the first opportunity.
However, it goes both ways, as the Black Cats must avoid cashing in while fighting for promotion. The Wearside team has had a tough road back after being relegated to League One twice in a row in 2017 and 2018. Cirkin is a prime illustration of everything Sunderland has become: hardworking, young, and talented. Keeping him is critical to their season, and they cannot afford to look for another left-back with his abilities in less than a month.
Few left-backs in the Championship can boast the same statistics as the 22-year-old, who is equally adept at moving the ball forward and defensively. He has won 24 tackles, the most of any player in his position, completed 14 dribbles, and won 92 duels, according to FotMob.
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