A journalist has raved about the performance of Alex Pritchard in Sunderland’s 2-0 victory over Preston North End on New Year’s Day.
It was an emphatic performance from Sunderland as goals from Alex Pritchard and a first in red and white for Nazariy Rusyn sent them back up to sixth in the Championship table.
During this display, there were several standout performers at the Stadium of Light.
Dan Ballard was a rock at the back for Michael Beale while Jack Clarke’s ridiculous assist for Sunderland’s second goal saw him have a huge impact on proceedings once more.
Although the Englishman was superb as ever, it was Pritchard who stole the headlines and received the deserved praise to match.
Phil Smith hails the performance of Alex Pritchard against Preston as ‘outstanding’
After scoring his first goal of the season with a sensational strike from outside the box, the 30-year-old showcased his talent again.
Following the injury to Patrick Roberts in the 1-1 draw against Rotherham United, Beale opted to start Pritchard on the right flank against Preston, giving him license to drive into central areas and make it difficult for the visitors to track his runs.
With his ability to control the ball in tight areas proving a useful weapon, Pritchard completed three of his five attempted dribbles, as per Sofascore, and dictated proceedings in the opposing half.
He landed two shots on target, completed 82% of his passes and helped out from a defensive capacity by winning three of his six attempted ground duels.
As such, journalist Phil Smith waxed lyrical about his performance in his post match ratings for the Sunderland Echo.
He awarded Pritchard a 9/10 rating – the joint-highest on the pitch with Ballard – and said: “An outstanding display from Sunderland’s wizard. A constant thorn in Preston’s side as he drifted into dangerous areas from the right wing, and scored a quite brilliant goal to get his side ahead. Quieter in the second half from an attacking perspective but his disciple and pressing was crucial”.
Sunderland must give Alex Pritchard a new contract
At the start of this season, it looked as though Pritchard was going to depart the Stadium of Light amid issues over his contract.
Now, the midfield maestro is deserving of a new deal after demonstrating he’s still got the wizardry and quality to hurt Championship defences.
The Englishman’s contract runs out in June 2024 and although he’s reaching the twilight years of his career, it appears he’s only getting better with age.
In 21 Championship appearances, predominantly from the bench, Pritchard has scored once and supplied five assists this term.
Therefore, Sunderland must offer him improved terms to prevent them from losing their talented playmaker who has more assists in the Black Cats squad than any other player.