Sunderland boss, Tony Mowbray, has challenged 21-year-old midfielder Pierre Ekwah to improve his intensity next season.
Ekwah was something of a breakout star last season and a player who has been tipped for big things at the Stadium of Light.
The final few months of last season are when he really showcased his talents, with his solid midfield displays helping Sunderland reach the play-offs.
Due to the injured status of Corry Evans, Ekwah is primed to continue being an influential star in the midfield for Mowbray’s side.
He has also been impressing through preseason, most recently scoring the opening goal as Sunderland beat New Mexico United 3-2 last night.
The Frenchman has always been known as a talented ace, however, he has had to hone his craft in some of the less glamorous sides of being a midfielder.
Mowbray challenges Ekwah
Speaking after his side’s victory via The Northern Echo, Mowbray took the opportunity to issue a challenge to Ekwah.
“Pierre’s a wonderful talent,” Mowbray said. “But he has to understand he’s playing men’s football now and we have to win football matches.”
Some constructive criticism for the youngster who plays with little urgency or intensity in his game.
“He needs to play at the intensity we need to play at as a football club. If he does play at that intensity, then he’s extremely talented.
“I almost feel as though I have to give him a slap before he starts, but he’s a wonderful player and he’s got a huge future in front of him as long as he understands the parts of his game that he has to keep developing.”
Clearly Mowbray has tremendous hopes for Ekwah’s future given how much he cares about the midfielder’s development.
But the Sunderland boss will have been pleased, in the main, with his young side’s performances so far in pre-season, and hope it continues.