Sunderland must replace Xhaka with the new Jobe Bellingham

There was a sense when the summer transfer window wrapped up that Sunderland might be more attritional, with last weekend’s loss to Brighton & Hove Albion at the Stadium of Light confirming there is much work to be done.

Qualifying for the Europa League was a significant achievement, but it has stretched Regis Le Bris’ side, who now travel to Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon with the knowledge that another defeat could drag them into the Premier League relegation zone.

The season is still young, but Sunderland need to start getting points on the board, and while it may seem drastic, perhaps dropping the captain in the middle of the park might be worth a punt.

Why Le Bris could drop Granit Xhaka

It’s an argument bound to polarise supporters, but Granit Xhaka hasn’t been playing with his usual quality and command in recent weeks, poor against Brighton last time out.

To drop such a fundamental part of the project would be a tough call, but Xhaka is no spring chicken anymore, and it might do good for him to step back and then influence the game in the second half. Against Brighton, he suffered one of his poorest showings in a Black Cats shirt, failing to win either of his tackles and missing the mark with all seven of his crosses. Moreover, his errant ranged shooting frustrated fans.

He is 34 years old, and though he only played half an hour of football against Torreense in the Europa League on Sunday, it was an intense and focal second-half performance from the Swiss, taking 55 touches.

Sunderland don’t exactly have a surplus of options in the middle of the park, but Noah Sadiki must start, bringing an energetic kind of athleticism which is borderline non-replicable.

However, if Xhaka is benched, then who replaces him against Bournemouth on the south coast.

Sunderland summer signing could replace Xhaka

Sunderland have a number of absentees which could make replacing Xhaka in midfield somewhat difficult on Sunday afternoon. Habib Diarra is still yet to return after picking up a hamstring injury at the start of September.

However, Thursday’s Europa League gave birth to a new midfield superstar. Indeed, Jules Ahoka excelled from the get-go against Sunderland’s Portuguese opponents.

Ahoka, 20, joined the Wearsiders from Royal Antwerp for around £9m in August, and had only featured in the Carabao Cup this season before starting at the heart of the pitch in the Europa League. To say he impressed would be an understatement.

Across 90 minutes, the DR Congo talent won six duels and completed 16 carries, playing with a robustness that could see him slot in and give Xhaka a rest. His goal was well taken, and the combative midfielder’s natural desire to hunt in attacking areas gives him a Jobe Bellingham-esque quality.

Bellingham left the Stadium of Light for Borussia Dortmund upon promotion, but he was well worth his money that year, winning 5.9 duels and recovering 5.5 duels per Championship match.

When he arrived, Sunderland AFC Director of Football, Florent Ghisolfi, said, “His performances at the Toulon Tournament demonstrated his physicality, defensive qualities and mentality, while he has also gained valuable experience in Belgium. He has huge potential and we believe Sunderland is the right environment for him to continue his development.”

Indeed, some supporters have already spotted a similarity between the summer arrival and Bellingham, who was immense for the Black Cats during that promotion-winning campaign.

His compatriot Sadiki played well alongside him, and this could be a first-class partnership down the line. It goes to show that Xhaka can be rested, and perhaps the captain needs it.

If Ahoka plays like he did on Thursday night, Sunderland might just have the energy and physicality they need to secure all three points at the Vitality Stadium.