A Sunderland player has been rated as this pundit’s’most disappointing’ Championship player of the 2023/24 season thus far.
Sunderland have had a mixed season thus far.
Following their spectacular top-six finish last season, the Black Cats were expected to reach the play-offs again this season.
However, Sunderland has had a tumultuous season, now sitting in 10th position in the table and eight points below the top six with 12 games remaining.
Tony Mowbray was fired in what was undoubtedly a foolish choice by Sunderland’s owners, and he was replaced by Michael Beale, who was fired after 12 games, leaving Mike Dodds in command until the summer.
Pierre Ekwah branded ‘most disappointing’ player in the Championship
In the midst of a poor season, Sunderland midfielder Pierre Ekwah has been named the Championship’s’most disappointing’ player in the 2023/24 season thus far.
When asked who has been the’most disappointing player this season’ on The Second Tier podcast, commentator Ryan Dilks responded:
“Pierre Ekwah at Sunderland stuck out to me above the rest. I’m basing that on his performance in the second half of last season with Sunderland, where he was brilliant in the middle of the park.
Dilks continued:
“But this season, he has not been the same player. I believe he started well; I recall him scoring two long-range goals against Southampton during their demolition job. However, I believe he was wounded, and his form has subsequently deteriorated. I was expecting him to use last season as a platform to become a star player for Sunderland this season.”
He concluded:
“He [Ekwah] could have been the best midfielder in the Championship this season, despite some of the players who have dropped down from the Premier League. He could have been so fantastic, but he isn’t. He’s been pretty bad at handling the ball, giving it away, and being dispossessed on a frequent basis.”
Lofty expectations not met, but an unfair assessment
Many will agree that Ekwah has not reached the same heights as previous season.
After joining from West Ham in January of last year, the Frenchman quickly established himself as a major member of the XI and fan favourite.
At his best, the 22-year-old can do it all in midfield: dribble, pass, win duels, and this season, he’s scored four goals in 28 league appearances.
But there have been instances of discrepancy.
Sunderland supporters chastised Ekwah for some of his performances in the early half of the season, with the Frenchman seeming sloppy and awkward in possession.
EKwah showed glimpses of development under Beale, but this season appears to be a bit of a transitional one for the player; it’s easy to forget that this is his first complete season of senior football.
Although Dilks’ comments may be unjust.
Sunderland remain on track to finish in the top half of the Championship, which is respectable in only their second season back.
And Ekwah has earned valuable experience from this campaign, which will serve him well in the future, especially given his newfound scoring ability.
Hopefully, next season, Ekwah will improve his consistency and demonstrate why he is coveted by Premier League clubs.
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