Marco Gabbiadini says that he’s still ‘not sure’ about one Sunderland player.
Sunderland have had some hits and some misses in the transfer market under Kristjaan Speakman, especially so this season.
On the whole, many will agree that Speakman has worked wonders at times with Sunderland now boasting a squad full of young and valuable assets.
But on the other hand, the Black Cats’ first-team squad is very misshaped and misbalanced right now, lacking in experience and attacking quality.
There’s huge pressure on Speakman this summer to ensure that he gives the next Sunderland manager all the tools they need to go on and be successful, and make drastic improvements on this season.
And whilst player recruitment will be key, there’s an concerning amount of players who’ll have to be better next time round, with one who potentially fits in that category being Pierre Ekwah.
Pierre Ekwah’s 2023/24 season at Sunderland
Joining from West Ham in January 2023, Ekwah had to bide his time before getting a run of games in the Sunderland first-team.
But once he did, there was no looking back. Tony Mowbray unearthed a new starter in the Frenchman and there were signs that he would become a huge player for Sunderland this season.
And whilst he’s shown some signs, he’s arguably not reached the same levels he was at last season, with claims that the 22-year-old Ekwah has been the Championship’s most disappointing player in 2023/24.
Speaking on Total Sport, former Sunderland man and now BBC pundit Gabbiadini gave his honest review of Ekwah at Sunderland.
Gabbiadini said: “I’m not sure about Ekwah. I’m not sure if he’s going to play at a higher level than this. Would he go to a top Championship club? I don’t think he’s got the pace.
“I think he gets blown away by people running past him. He’s good on the ball, he shows some good skills at times, passing moves, but is he going to be a top Championship or Premier League footballer?
“I’m still not sure. The jury’s out with some.”
Ekwah featured 40 times in the 2023/24 Championship campaign, with 42 appearances in all competitions, scoring five and claiming two assists along the way.
The one thing Pierre Ekwah is missing at Sunderland
There’s a common criticism of Ekwah that he’s too lax in the midfield and that he doesn’t do enough of the dirty work.
But under Mowbray, Ekwah looked like one of the best midfielders in the Championship, so something’s clearly changed.
And it may be that the change in playing style from Mowbray, which was attacking and focussed on the transition from defence to attack, to a very negative and defensive-minded style under Michael Beale and then Mike Dodds.
So Ekwah, being a midfielder who wants to get forward and take the ball from defenders and give it to attackers, just didn’t seem to suit this more defensive approach.
Whilst he should put in the work rate regardless of whether he suits the style, Ekwah is someone who the Sunderland manager can definitely pick a team around, because on his day he is that good.
Gabbiadini’s critique of Ekwah seems very fair and now the Frenchman is at a bit of a crossroads.
He’s had Premier League links but he’s not ready for that move yet. But if he can get back to his best then he may well come into that discussion again next season.
And Sunderland hiring a positive manager will surely help with that.