[h=1]Sunderland will be hoping to emulate their North East rivals Newcastle and to challenge for Europa League spots this season⦠Solidity is a term that can be attributed to Martin OâNeill's sides, and as the old saying goes, âit all starts from the backâ. Related to this is the idea of the spine of the team. Lee Cattermole is a player who I evidently do not hold in as high regard as his manager. I admire his tenacity and work rate, however I feel that he is too lightweight and does not have that physical presence that is missing from Sunderlandâs midfield. His disciplinary record causes a few raised eyebrows and raises questions about the captainâs temperament. For me, this is an area that OâNeill may need to strengthen. Vaughan and Gardner are two good footballing players, but Vaughan may not be the most mobile of midfielders, both can make defence splitting passes and would be greatly helped by someone to nick the ball from the opposition for them. QPR will no doubt benefit from the signing of Park Ji Sung who will offer this ball winning ability to a team that wants to play football. However, Joey Barton is someone who many at the Stadium of Light will want to steer clear of as his departure from Loftus Road seems ever likely. Leon Osman, who I am aware would most probably not leave Everton for Sunderland, is a player who has a phenomenal work rate and would suit the way Sunderland play. I mentioned earlier Sunderlandâs need for a physical presence in centre midfield. Arsenalâs Diaby may wish to have a fresh start, or a loan move away from the Emirates to regain the form that had a few European clubs such as Juventus after his services. Tottenhamâs Tom Huddlestone may wish to leave White Hart Lane if AVB does not give him game time, and he certainly carries with him that much needed strength and power along with a phenomenally powerful strike on him. Steven N'Zonzi is a player linked who could fit the bill. An Owen Hargreaves, certainly not the player he was back in 2006, may still be able to do a job in centre midfield whilst offering added quality on the ball, if he could stay fit, but it would be a gamble. Another significant area I feel that Sunderland need to address is that of left back. Kieran Richardson is wasted at left back. His attacking talent outweighs his defensive abilities, and for me, he would be more beneficial for Sunderland attacking opposition defences on the wing and whipping balls into the box for his strikers to get on to, or even playing as a striker himself. It could be argued that Richardson is suffering from Sunderlandâs several possible options on the left wing with Larsson and McClean able to play there too. Relegated Wolvesâ Stephen Ward could be a possible option at left back with his Premier League and international experience. Fulhamâs John Arne Riise is a player I still rate highly, still very pacey, offers a great attacking threat bombing up the wing and has great delivery. Right winger, Matt Jarvis, of Wolves too, is a target for many Premier League clubs, he would be a good addition for Sunderland but with an asking price of around £10 million, is a move that is unlikely to happen for them. Sunderland certainly need to bolster their striking options. Wolvesâ Steven Fletcher is a quality striker, who again, would be wanted by Premiership sides and would demand a large transfer fee. With Michael Owen a free agent, the chance to play for Martin OâNeill and get game time could be an attractive proposition for the former England striker, who knows? However, Sunderland do need to strengthen up front. In central defence Turner, Bramble, OâShea and Brown are certainly error prone. Birminghamâs Curtis Davies with his aerial ability and composure on the ball would add quality to the back four, and Boltonâs David Wheater has proven Premier League experience and both players would add competition for places. So, OâNeill needs to strengthen his squad and take the shackles off Richardson. More striking options are needed, and more competition for places in central defence will benefit the team. I have doubts about Lee Cattermoleâs temperament and how effective he is in central midfield, but I hope he proves me wrong. With OâNeill at the helm is a Europa League spot a realistic ambition for Sunderland? With the right additions and a bit of luck, I reckon so. We shall see! [/h]
Don't you just love Google http://hereisthecity.com/2012/07/11...-sunderland-to-help-them-reach-the-europa-le/ Ps: What an utter load of crap
Comm I dont think, arse and elbow, comes into this guys brain, and I am assuming it is a geezer. to be politically correct, just in case some ethnic wants to sue me. BY the way........ I AM ETHNIC ENGLISH........just for the punters who are monortoring this. White is a nice colour for your door.
