Sunderland enjoyed a victory in their second pre-season friendly since jetting out to Spain.
The Black Cats had had a mixed start to pre-season with a win and defeat against South Shields and Gateshead.
Things have looked very positive since Sunderland arrived in their training camp – going unbeaten against Nottingham Forest and Eldense.
Goals from Tommy Watson and Luis Hemir confirmed victory against the Segunda Division outfit, with the latter being hailed for his screamer.
Despite Hemir’s winner, it was a defender who was named as Sunderland’s man of the match ‘by a good distance’.
Joe Anderson really ‘took his chance’ against Eldense
Joe Anderson received huge praise for his performance at the Pinatar Arena and was awarded an 8 rating by the Sunderland Echo.
Journalist Phil Smith wrote: “Sunderland’s best player and by a good distance. Made two crucial interceptions early on, handled the ball superbly well throughout and barely made an error defensively. Really took his chance to catch Le Bris’ eye.”
The 23-year-old moved to Wearside in January 2023 and managed only four appearances before he was sent out on loan to Shrewsbury Town.
Anderson has now returned and hasn’t really been regarded as a contender to make the match-day squad until his appearance in pre-season.
His performance against South Shields was also one of promise, putting on ‘a decent showing’ as he was deployed at left-back.
Should Sunderland keep him this summer?
Anderson is still some way off challenging Dan Ballard and Luke O’Nien for his place, but if he can prove himself this summer then it puts a lot less pressure on the club to bolster their backline.
Anderson could well have left the Stadium of Light once again, but he may be proving himself useful for the season ahead.
Aji Alese is the only real option at the back if either of the two centre-backs get injured, with Nectarios Triantis far from ready for Championship football.
Leo Hjelde could also be considered a centre-back next season, but he was particularly poor following his arrival from Leeds United and will need upcoming friendlies to work his way into Regis Le Bris’ good books.
If Hjelde and Anderson can both promise to become solid back-ups for the current defensive pairing, then that makes Kristjaan Speakman’s job a lot easier.