Aji Alese made his long-awaited return from injury as he helped Sunderland a 2-0 win against Preston North End on New Year’s Day
According to manager Michael Beale, Aji Alese’s return is a ‘big boost’ for Sunderland, as the defender helped the Black Cats get off to a winning start in 2024. Alese had a thigh injury in March and then aggravated it when he returned as a substitute in the Black Cats’ Championship play-off semi-final second leg against Luton Town in May, when the club was dealing with a defensive injury crisis.
He missed the start of the season but played 45 minutes for the U21s a fortnight ago, was on the bench against Rotherham United on Friday, and then started at left-back and played 70 minutes against Preston North End at the Stadium of Light yesterday.
Sunderland had to play Trai Hume at left back rather than his native right side due to left-back Dennis Cirkin’s hamstring injury and Niall Huggins’ season-ending knee injury, but with Alese’s return, that was no longer an issue.
“That’s a huge positive,” Beale said of Alese’s comeback. Trai has had to play out of position due to the absence of [Aji] and Dennis, especially after we lost Niall.
“It was good to see [Hume] back in his position, which allowed [Alex] Pritchard to go inside and play close to Jobe [Bellingham], so hopefully that’s a sign of things to come.” Aji left with a cramp, but we’re now in a schedule where we have two games in 14 days, which will really assist people like Aji.
“He is an extremely important player for us.” With his personality, he also has a soothing effect on the back four, and he makes solid decisions.
“For his first appearance of the season, I thought he was excellent.”
Alese can play both left-back and central defense, and Beale is content to deploy him in any position rather than pigeonholing the 22-year-old. “I believe he can play both positions,” he remarked.
“He played as a left-back who tucked in yesterday, allowing Jack [Clarke] to stay wide and Trai to get forward on the other side.” He can play in a back three or a back four, which is great when we don’t have Dennis, who has been out for a while.
“It’s just important for him to be back because he’s such a calming influence on the back four.” He makes sound decisions, which is critical for a defender.
“He is athletic, and it’s difficult to find a player with that profile who is also left-footed, so he provides us with fantastic balance.” We need to get him through a strong week of training so his physical condition improves, because I believe he just played 45 minutes in a B team game that was nowhere near the quality of yesterday’s game.”
The Black Cats defeated Preston with to first-half goals from Pritchard and Nazariy Rusyn, keeping them in the chase for a play-off spot. The Black Cats will now take a breather from league action to prepare for Saturday’s FA Cup third round clash with Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light.
Leave a Reply