This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
A solid performance against Coventry showed exactly what Grant Leadbitter can bring to Sunderland, particularly as there is an aspect he provides that not many of his teammates can compare to.
On the chalkboard
Phil Parkinson decided to switch things up from the FA Cup exit last week by operating with a 4-3-3 formation, and having two midfielders to play alongside him certainly worked in Leadbitter’s favour.
SofaScore gave him the second-highest rating of any player on the pitch, with 7.5, and the combination of his leadership and quality on the ball meant he was a very effective performer for the Black Cats.
He got on the ball frequently and looked to make things happen for his side with 87% pass accuracy and three successful long balls, thus putting the Black Cats on the front foot in a manner that fans think George Dobson hasn’t been able to. Meanwhile, similar conclusions can be drawn with Max Power too.
Leadbitter was equally impressive in a defensive capacity, too, with two tackles and two interceptions ensuring the Sunderland midfield had some bite to it, and in the process proved his all-round ability could be of very good service to his manager.
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Should play more often
Sunderland have a number of experienced players in the first-team but few have years of being a captain under their belt like Leadbitter does.
The 33-year-old captained Middlesbrough to the Premier League only three years ago, and the influence he has on his teammates could be pivotal to maintaining belief and confidence that Sunderland can win points from losing positions.
They managed exactly that against Coventry and it was no coincidence that Leadbitter played the whole match.
Having come through as a professional at the Black Cats there are few players who understand the club and the fans frustrations quite like him, and with Lee Cattermole departing over the summer he now holds even more importance.
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In that regard, and considering midfield has been a bit of a weak point this term, Parkinson needs to consider giving Leadbitter a run of games to build his fitness and allow him to stamp his mark of influence on the team.
He will be able to set a standard and if that gets the squad playing closer to its full potential then that can only be a good thing and should lead to an upturn in results.
Leadbitter is not the only midfielder who should be considered more often by Parkinson, read here about why Ethan Robson deserves a bigger role too.
