Sunderland star Nilson Angulo is off to the World Cup.
Sunderland star Nilson Angulo is heading to the World Cup this summer after being named in Ecuador’s squad for the tournament.
The forward - who has 12 international caps to his name - joined the Black Cats in January and following an impressive end to the campaign, the 22-year-old has been named in the squad for his first World Cup tournament in the US, Mexico and Canada.
The Ecuadorian international joined the Black Cats from Anderlecht for a fee of around £17.5 million during the latter stages of the January transfer window, and has been eased into Le Bris’ first team plans over the course of the period since. He made a total of nine appearances for Sunderland and featured in the final three games of the campaign which included starts against Everton away and Chelsea at home - as Sunderland qualified for the Europa League next season.
Speaking earlier in the season, the Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris made it clear he felt Angulo would have a big impact on Wearside. When asked if he had seen enough to suggest that Angulo can make a success of his time in England, the Sunderland head coach responded: “Yes, I think so.
“He's young and he's still adapting to a new team and a new level. He has the profile to be a strong winger in the Premier League, 100%. After that, it's a question of adaptation. His physicality is huge in the Premier League. We spoke this morning about the experience in Bournemouth. It was tough, but his response was really positive, which shows that he has this ability now. When he starts again, it's a bit different. When you come off the bench, the story of the game is a bit different. I think it will be good getting out of the bench. Now, starting is a bit different, but I hope it will be good soon.”
Ecuador World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Hernan Galindez (Huracan), Moises Ramirez (Kifisia), Gonzalo Valle (LDU Quito).
Defenders: Piero Hincapie (Arsenal), Willian Pacho (Paris St-Germain), Pervis Estupinan (AC Milan), Felix Torres (Internacional), Joel Ordonez (Club Brugge), Jackson Porozo (Tijuana), Angelo Preciado (Atletico Mineiro).
Midfielders: Moises Caicedo (Chelsea), Alan Franco (Atletico Mineiro), Kendry Paez (River Plate, on loan from Chelsea), Pedro Vite (UNAM), Jordy Alcivar (Independiente del Valle), Denil Castillo (Midtjylland), Yaimar Medina (Genk).
Forwards: Enner Valencia (Pachuca), Kevin Rodriguez (Union Saint-Gilloise), Jordy Caicedo (Huracan), Nilson Angulo (Sunderland), Anthony Valencia (Antwerp), Jeremy Arevalo (Stuttgart).
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