Is looking in top shape already. I really think/hope he'll be a top player this year now he realises what the Premiership is all about. After playing for Kiev where they had about 75% possesion per game it took him time to realise when you come to a club like Sunderland your defensive duties are just as important as your offensive.
True, there's every chance he's one of those players that takes a little bit longer to get up to speed. If he truly buys into the way Sam wants him to play then he will be a very valuable asset as we know he has the quality. He's clearly up for some graft looking at the shape he's in so I don't see why he wouldn't put the same effort in on match day with a bit of guidance.
He's one of the best players we've had at the club for a lot of years. If his head is in the right place and he is focussed, there is every chance he'll be as good as a new £15m signing this season. If not then we need rid of him asap! But I reckon Sam already knows this @Teessidemakem where did you get that picture of me with a tan from?....
Physical condition is paramount for getting the most out of your body, look at Ronaldo, look at Zlatan, but for somebody like Lens, a good attitude and confidence is far more important. Memphis Depay has the body of an elite athlete and he was piss poor for 90% of last season.
I'd still guess that he'll be off elsewhere. Possibly as a loan to buy or at quite a discount. Shame as he's obviously a talent, with a poor attitude.
Yes he has based off last season, his first ever season in the Prem. He deserves another chance to turn things round though.
Absolutely agree mate, but only if he sorts the attitude out IMO. We saw in glimpses of he's quality but do you honestly think he was applying himself and grafting to be in the starting 11/the squad at the end of last season (which he should have been)? Personally I don't, which is why he looked overweight and probably why he didn't even feature on the bench in some games toward the end.
We should get an idea after the first couple of games if hes prepared to show some passion and graft for the team. Looking at this photo hes certainly been keeping an eye on his diet and fitness over the summer which is hopefully a good sign.
They are both Dutch. Just a small point but maybe relevant, one of the nicest but sometimes most frustrating people in the world, once they get an attitude they will stick by it regardless. Their national team and Euro16 failure was all about in-fighting.
Fair comment the second sentence. You never know, maybe him and Big Sam didn't see eye to eye so a fresh start under someone new could be good for him, and exactly like a new signing. Watch us go and sell him for £3.5m or something now that we're all saying this!!
Don't be daft he's got contract left, we will loan him out and pay his wages to lower his value for a year or too first.
