Sunderland's Dayann Methalie (Image: SAFC)
Sunderland's Dayann Methalie (Image: SAFC)
REGIS Le Bris says Dayann Methalie's versatility was one of several qualities that Sunderland found attractive - but the head coach expects the new recruit to play most of his football as a left-back for the Black Cats.
Methalie completed his move from Toulouse last week but won't be available to make his debut against Fulham today because of a suspension carried over from his time in France.
He'll be available for next week's trip to Brentford, with Le Bris outlining why the 20-year-old was identified as a leading Sunderland target this summer.
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"In the left back position we had only one before with Rei [Reinildo] so it was important to have at least two players in this position," he said.
"Dayann is young first of all but with also good experience in France in the first division, he's quick, he can cover and he likes to exploit wide areas and spaces.
"He's mobile, he likes stability, connection with his teammates but also freedom, he's creative as a player so I think he's going to be different and also build a good connection with the team."
Methalie has played centre-half in the past, which might come in handy, but Le Bris sees the defender mainly being used at left-back.
He said: "It's still possible [he plays at centre-back] and we mentioned before that versatility is still useful.
"I think in modern football it's absolutely useful for the position, but also I think we'll have other players to fill this role, so his main position will be on the left side."
Methalie was followed through the door last week by Jules Ahoka, who is expected to be in the squad for this afternoon's game.
It's been an incredible rise for the 20-year-old, who only joined Royal Antwerp last September from AC Normands and only established himself in the team in Belgium in the second half of last season.
But Le Bris says the Black Cats believe the midfielder has "huge potential", though admits the youngster will need time to adapt.
"We don't know with this kind of player, it could be really quick because you give them an opportunity and they seize it they say 'I'm comfortable in that position, I'm ready'," said the head coach.
"For the others they need a bit more time so we'll see, but the potential is really impressive.
"Physically, technically, his understanding of the game already... he connected really well with the lads this week so we'll see."