Noah Sadiki has made a surprise admission about his role with DR Congo compared to Sunderland.
Noah Sadiki admits he feels ‘even freer’ playing for DR Congo than he does for Sunderland.
The 21-year-old joined the Black Cats from Belgian champions Union St. Gilloise in the summer and has formed an excellent partnership with Granit Xhaka, dominating the midfield alongside the Swiss veteran. Rather than the free role he was given in Belgium, Regis Le Bris has given Sadiki much more specific instructions at the Stadium of Light, tasking him with controlling play at the base of midfield, while he also has more defensive responsibilities - averaging 2.55 tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes.
Noah Sadiki makes Sunderland ‘freedom’ admission
Sadiki played all four of DR Congo’s matches at the Africa Cup of Nations, helping his national team to wins over Benin and Botswana, either side of a 1-1 draw against Senegal in the group stage, before exiting 1-0 to two-time champions Algeria in the last 16. In contrast to his role at Sunderland, Sadiki was given licence to roam by national team boss Sebastien Desabre, attempting the second-highest number of dribbles (6) among DR Congo players and completing 9.47 passes into the final third per 90 minutes.
So while Sadiki has made a big impression at Sunderland so far, he has admitted there is more freedom allowed for him with DR Congo.
“When I first arrived there, playing under pressure was a bit difficult for me,” he said. “Now, I’m also working on the mental aspect, to be more motivated. It helps me make better decisions, read the game faster, and that’s what has allowed me to develop. “Here, I feel even freer than at Sunderland. I can really move around, get involved in the game. These are things that also come with time and hard work.”
When can Noah Sadiki return to action for Sunderland?
DR Congo crashed out of Afcon with a heartbreaking extra-time defeat to Algeria. There is a chance Sadiki could return to the squad for Saturday’s FA Cup clash at Everton, though it’s more realistic that the midfielder will take his place back in the starting line-up alongside Xhaka when the Black Cats host Crystal Palace in the Premier League on 17th January.
Sunderland’s next fixtures:
- 10th January: Everton (A) - FA Cup
- 17th January: Crystal Palace (H) - Premier League
- 24th January: West Ham (A) - Premier League
- 2nd February: Burnley (H) - Premier League