Despite having left the club during the summer, Jack Clarke remains a real talking point among Sunderland fans.
Sunderland fans are certainly interested to see how Jack Clarke fares in the Premier League, following his £20million move to Ipswich Town during the summer transfer window.
So far, he’s featured four times in the Premier League and has one assist, having yet to score for the Tractor Boys.
Last season, Clarke scored 15 times in the Championship, with his goals arguably keeping Sunderland from dropping back down to League One.
Since his exit, Romaine Mundle has stepped up the plate, scoring three in eight Championship appearances for Regis Le Bris’ side.
Mundle has earned praise for his performances in Clarke’s absence. He’s certainly softened the blow of Clarke’s exit, with Sunderland currently sitting in 1st place of the Championship table.
Some might even argue that Sunderland are better all-round without Clarke, which is what Marco Gabbiadini has discussed.
Marco Gabbiadini weighs in on Romaine Mundle vs Jack Clarke debate
Both Clarke and Mundle are good players. Clarke proved himself in two Championship seasons at the Stadium of Light, being fully deserved of his move to the Premier League.
Mundle is a different type of winger. He’s got a lot to prove still, but both he and Sunderland are performing excellently right now.
Speaking on Total Sport, discussing whether or not Sunderland are better without Clarke, Gabbiadini said that he thinks Mundle is a better winger than Clarke, but not necessarily a better goal-scorer.
Gabbiadini said of Mundle: “In many respects, his wing play is better than Clarke’s. Whether he’s going to be as good a goal-scorer, I don’t know.
“But I think his wing play is better because he can go both ways, and he just has that little bit more pace to go on the outside.”
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Why Sunderland look more fluid without Jack Clarke
There’s no doubting Clarke’s ability. But Sunderland certainly seem more fluid and more rounded as a team without him.
With him in the XI, Sunderland were too one-dimensional. But with Mundle, and with the likes of Patrick Roberts back to his best, and Chris Rigg flying, there’s threats all over the pitch.
Sunderland all of a sudden look more like a team. They’re less predictable in their play and Mundle is more tricky than Clarke.
Whilst he’s not as potent in front of goal, Mundle gives Sunderland a different dimension on the flank, and he’s harder to defend against.
Whilst Clarke remains a top player, Sunderland are a much stronger unit without him.