Black Cats defender Dennis Cirkin has opened up on his thought process behind one key decision.
As a result of Sunderland having many top prodigies in the side, there are bound to be some who will go on to represent their nation.
The first names that spring to mind are undoubtedly midfield pair Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg, who have both been tipped to play for England later on in their career.
Both Bellingham and Rigg have shone in-the centre-of-the-park for Regis Le Bris’ side, however they haven’t quite done enough to overshadow the brilliance of the Sunderland defence throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
The man who embodies such a strong and resolute Sunderland backline is Dennis Cirkin, who currently finds himself as the best player in the Championship statistically, and his brilliant performances have led to him thinking about his future in international football, with one key decision looming.
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Sunderland star Dennis Cirkin faces nationality choice with England being considered
Republic of Ireland-born left-back Cirkin has two options when it comes to his decision on who he could potentially represent in his international career, and that involves his home country, as well as England, where he moved at-the age-of-3.
He has been left to mull over the big decision, and it is one that he has suggested that he is ‘always thinking about’.
Per Sunderland Echo, Cirkin said: “I’ve got a few nationalities.
“But I think at the moment, especially because of last season, where I was basically injured for the whole season, that’s just my main focus in staying fit, being consistent, making that spot mine and thriving at club level first before I start to look into any pathways but for sure, I’m always thinking about it.”
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England choice for Dennis Cirkin will show clear ambition
At the level Cirkin is playing at currently for Sunderland, there is no doubt that he would be welcomed into the Republic of Ireland side instantly, and would become one of their key players.
However, an ambitious move for the Black Cats left-back would be to aim for the stars and opt for his English nationality.
If he is able to continue his electric performances that he has put on for the Black Cats, there is no doubt that he could easily be within contention for a spot in the England set-up, especially considering the current left-back options available are more than scarce.
It would without a doubt be an ambitious move for Cirkin, but every Sunderland fan will agree that he has the potential to be a realistic choice as Thomas Tuchel’s go-to left-back within the next year-or-two.