For Sunderland, the end product seems to be an issue right now. And Marco Gabbiadini thinks one former player has never truly been replaced.
The goals are drying up for Sunderland, who before they put three past Swansea City in the second half of their last outing had scored just six in eight in the Championship.
Sunderland certainly showed some more attacking emphasis in their stunning 3-2 comeback win vs Swansea City on Saturday. But Regis Le Bris knows his side lack that killer instinct on a more consistent basis.
Fans have been critical of Wilson Isidor who’s not scored in six appearances now, and he remains the Black Cats’ top scorer with five goals in the Championship this season, whereas the leading scorer in the league, Borja Sainz, already has 15.
The Black Cats lack a ‘true finisher’ in their ranks this season, per the words of Marco Gabbiadini, who’s been speaking about a certain former player.
Sunderland are ‘missing’ Amad Diallo-type player this season
Speaking on Total Sport, former Sunderland man Gabbiadini discussed Amad Diallo‘s recent exploits for Manchester United.
Diallo has been in fine form this season and recently scored the winning goal in the Manchester derby.
The Ivorian scored 14 Championship goals for Sunderland during his loan spell in the 2022/23 season and has two in 14 Premier League outings for Manchester United this season, with six assists.
Gabbiadini said of Diallo: “He was our X factor. And that’s maybe what we’re missing a little bit.
“I think we’ve got some absolutely brilliant players, we’ve got players who are consistent, who are over-achieving for their age groups especially.”
Gabbiadini later asked: “Have we got a true finisher in the box or that X factor player like Diallo who can get you a goal, as he did on many occasions for us.”
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What the Sunderland players used to say about Amad Diallo
Diallo’s goals, creativity, and overall ruthlessness in the box is certainly missing right now, and not helped by the likes of Romaine Mundle and Tommy Watson being injured.
It also goes to show just how good Diallo was for the Black Cats. Speaking recently, John O’Shea revealed what he heard about Diallo at Sunderland and what the players used to say about him.
O’Shea said: “They just used to say ‘pass the ball to Amad’, because he was so confident in possession.
“Obviously, it’s a different level now he’s at but he’s showing the confidence, and that maturity, in his performances.”
January could be the perfect time for Sunderland to find such a player, and there’s one potential candidate linked in Louie Barry, though he’d have big shoes to fill if he’s to be compared to the likes of Diallo, or even Jack Clarke.