Jules Ahoka had an excellent debut against Hull City last week but wasn’t included in the squad to face Arsenal on Saturday
Régis Le Bris says Sunderland will not rush Jules Ahoka and that the young midfielder will benefit from a cautious approach to his Premier League debut.
The Black Cats signed Ahoka this summer from Royal Antwerp, where he had made just four senior appearances. The midfielder impressed on his Sunderland debut against Hull City in the Carabao Cup but was not included in the squad to face Arsenal as Chemsdine Talbi returned.
Speaking ahead of the Arsenal game, the Sunderland head coach said that competition was very high in Ahoka's position and that the club had the luxury of not having to rush the 20-year-old as he continues to adapt to a new club and league.
"We will take it step by step, the competition is high," Le Bris said.
"Competition is high, which is good in our squad. It's better to avoid rushing the process for a young player. We had this conversation last year with our wingers, the responsibility is so big in the Premier League. So if we can just follow the plan, it's much better. So give minutes when you have a good situation, to get the confidence, to get the right references.
"Sometimes you can't and you have to rush a little bit but if it's possible, we do it [take our time]."
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Le Bris was nevertheless very encouraged by Ahoka's performance against Hull: "Really positive and in this position it's not easy, because the pivot, the designated player is Granit.
"He is our Captain, with huge experience... So when you come after Granit, you know that it's not an easy task. And you have to show personality, you have to show character, you have to show confidence and I think he did it really well. I was really pleased with his character and his confidence, the confidence he showed. And then he has this physicality which is so important in this position... to head the ball, ground duels, space covered, and so on."
With Talbi not registered for the league phase of the Europa League as a result of transfer interest from Saudi Arabia when the list was submitted, Ahoka appears highly likely to return to the squad when AZ Alkmaar visit the Stadium of Light on Wednesday night.