Sunderland star Niall Huggins has been praised for another ‘excellent’ performance in the 3-1 win over Birmingham City.
Jobe Bellingham gave the Black Cats the lead against his former club, before Ryo Miyoshi scored at the half hour mark to make it 1-1 going into half-time.
An own goal from Blues’ centre-back Dion Sanderson in the 57th minute gave Sunderland the lead once again, before substitute Adil Aouchiche scored the third and final goal to seal all three points at the Stadium of Light.
Huggins played the full 90 minutes in the win over Birmingham, with many enjoying his performance.
How did Niall Huggins perform v Birmingham?
Journalist Pete Smith posted on his X account (formerly known as Twitter) saying, “Niall Huggins – what a season he’s having. Excellent yet again.”
He also gave the Wales U21 international an eight out of his ten in his player ratings, saying:
“Sunderland’s man of the match, in my opinion. A threat going forward and stood up to help a very inexperienced defence with some crucial interventions. Hugely impressive.”
Will Huggins keep his starting spot for the rest of the season?
Huggins has been brilliant this season as he makes his mark in the Championship.
He only made one appearance in the Championship for Sunderland last season, but has been a regular this season, playing 13 times so far.
As journalist James Copley said on his X account, he said the signing of Huggins was an ‘absolute steal’, after he was signed on a free transfer back in 2021 from Leeds United, along with sell-on clauses included.
He has nailed down his starting spot at right back so far this season. Although, the absence of fellow right back Timothee Pembele almost certainly would have helped his case.
It will be interesting to see whether he can keep up his form for the rest of the season, especially when players return from injury and he has more competition.
Fellow defender Dennis Cirkin has also suffered an injury in the build up to the Birmingham game as Sunderland’s defensive woes continue.