Sunderland manager Mike Dodds has expressed confidence in the potential of one player at the Stadium of Light.
Following a much-needed victory over Cardiff City, ending a challenging seven-match winless streak in the Championship, Sunderland appears to be regaining their form.
The club has faced difficulties since the departure of Tony Mowbray, with Michael Beale’s tenure turning into a nightmare before Dodds took over on an interim basis.
Sunderland’s decline in the Championship standings has been significant, dropping out of playoff contention and facing concerns about relegation.
However, the team’s recent performance against Cardiff City showcased a resurgence, with Jobe Bellingham impressing as a striker with his seventh goal of the season, and Adil Aouchiche contributing with a goal and an assist from attacking midfield.
In addition to the positive result and Bellingham’s standout performance, Dodds also welcomed Aji Alese back into the squad, adding further optimism for Sunderland’s prospects.
Aji Alese returns to Sunderland squad against Cardiff City
Alese’s season with Sunderland has been hampered by injury setbacks, limiting him to just three appearances, with his last game being a 2-1 defeat against Ipswich Town in January.
Despite his limited involvement, Sunderland views him as a crucial part of their future plans, evidenced by their decision to extend his contract until 2027.
The 23-year-old received further good news by returning to the first-team squad for only the third time this season, underscoring the severity of his injury struggles.
Although he was on the bench against Cardiff, Alese, who was signed from West Ham in 2022, is hopeful that his injury problems are now behind him, allowing him to regain his top form.
In a previous return from injury in January last year, Alese received praise from former manager Tony Mowbray for his outstanding defensive performance against Middlesbrough.
Current manager Dodds shares Mowbray’s admiration for the talented defender, emphasizing Alese’s importance to the team.
Mike Dodds believes Aji Alese has ‘huge potential’
Alese may have had multiple terrible injury setbacks, but the club has recognized his quality by awarding him a new deal.
Dodds would have been one of the primary persons pushing for him to agree to new terms. The 37-year-old has spoken highly of his potential and believes he will play a significant part at the club.
“Aji’s a great example of the positive side of our recruitment, a U23 footballer who came in and has done really well for us,” Dodds said in an interview with We Are Sunderland. “The frustration for all of us is that we haven’t seen it over a long period of time.
“I don’t think it’s anyone’s responsibility, but he’s a key component of the football club’s future. He has enormous potential, and it is our and my obligation to keep pushing him so that he can realize that potential.”
With Dennis Cirkin and Niall Huggins still out, Alese can use the following seven games to solidify his position as a left-back moving into preseason.
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