Ex-Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce has been speaking about his old club.
Sam Allardyce has hailed Sunderland for their transfer policy this season, claiming that the club have “brought in a lot of players” that he would have looked to sign if he was still head coach in the North East.
The Black Cats have enjoyed a stellar return to the top flight in recent months after a lengthy absence from the division, with much of their positive work built on the platform of an ambitious summer recruitment drive in the aftermath of their promotion.
Regis Le Bris welcomed 14 new signings into his squad during pre-season, with the overwhelming majority of those acquisitions going on to play pivotal roles in Sunderland’s campaign thus far. The likes of Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, Nordi Mukiele, Robin Roefs, Brian Brobbey, as well as several others, have all caught the eye in recent times, and have helped the Black Cats to a tally of 36 points after 26 matches, opening up a 12-point gap between themselves and the relegation zone in the process.
What has Sam Allardyce said about Sunderland?
And speaking during an appearance on Sky Sports News, Allardyce not only praised Sunderland and head coach Le Bris for the manner in which they have gone about their business in the Premier League, but also suggested that he would have sought to enact a similar overhaul if he was still in the dugout on Wearside.
He said: “Well this used to be my side for a while, I saved them. I think Sunderland this season, I think is an absolutely fantastic job and he [Le Bris] changed and brought in a lot of players that I would have done.
“A lot of players haven't cost... Well, they have spent a lot of money this year - but obviously the players that we got in and the players that they've got in have made a massive difference and they've virtually secured their place in the Premier League for next year. And that's by the way he plays at home and the way he plays away. I mean, they've had a magnificent home record which is hugely important your first year in the Premier League.”
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This is not the first time that Allardyce has spoken highly of Sunderland’s recruitment this term, praising Black Cats skipper Xhaka for his impact since arriving at the club last year.
He said: “He looks top drawer. I mean, well, he's always looked top drawer, but probably looks more outstanding at Sunderland than he did at Arsenal, perhaps, because there was obviously - without disrespecting the Sunderland players - but better players around him at Arsenal, of course.
“He is, from his experience and what he knows and the position he's been played in by the manager, he's just outstanding. And a leader. He looks like that leader, you know what I mean? That one where he can control other players on the pitch. The one the manager loves. Instead of screaming and shouting from the touchline, they know he can leave it to him and he'll sort it out. And his passing game and his composure, for me, is outstanding.”
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