admin“The Most Versatile Player in the League?Meet Sunderland’s New Signing Can Play 5 Roles!”
REGIS Le Bris believes Lutsharel Geertruida is already proving to be a key utility player for Sunderland this season.
The 26-year-old defender, who joined the Black Cats on loan from RB Leipzig towards the end of the summer transfer window, is primarily known for playing as a centre-back.
However, Le Bris has highlighted Geertruida’s adaptability as a major strength. So far, the Dutchman has come off the bench to feature in a defensive midfield role against Crystal Palace and filled in at right-back during last week’s win over Nottingham Forest.
Le Bris is confident Geertruida could thrive in at least three more positions if needed.
While the Sunderland boss still considers centre-back to be Geertruida’s strongest position, opportunities there are currently limited. Nordi Mukiele and Omar Alderete have cemented themselves as the first-choice pairing in central defence, and Dan Ballard was in fine form before his recent injury.
That said, Le Bris isn’t rushing the defender’s integration. Having arrived late in the window, it was always going to take Geertruida time to adapt to the Premier League and settle in.
Nonetheless, Le Bris is confident the loanee will be a key contributor across multiple roles throughout the season.
“His attitude has been excellent,” said Le Bris. “When a player arrives late in the window, it’s naturally harder for them to slot straight into their best position because other players already have momentum. But that’s a good situation for us to be in.
“I still see Lucha as a very strong centre-back, but his versatility was a big factor in our decision to bring him in.
He’s already shown he can play in midfield and at right-back, and I’m sure he could operate in a back three or four — maybe even at left-back. Now it’s just about finding the right moments.
“At the moment, Nordi and Omar are performing very well, and before his injury, Ballard was excellent.
The level of competition is high, which benefits the whole squad — and over a long season, everyone will get their chance.”
admin
