The defender has been less than impressive since arriving at Sunderland in the summer.
Sunderland manager David Moyes has told the Chronicle that defender Papy Djilobodji still has a long way to go but is improving.
The centre-back moved to the Stadium of Light from Chelsea in the summer transfer window.
He has since come in for serious criticism with a series of disappointing and shaky displays not exactly endearing him to the Black Cats faithful.
Recent weeks have seen some improvement, with the defender playing a role in his team’s 2-1 win over Bournemouth last weekend, their first three points of the season.
Tottenham’s Moussa Sissoko in action with Sunderland’s Papy Djilobodji
And Moyes says he is improving but still has a long way to go in his development as a Premier League centre-back.
“Papy in lots of ways has played well, we think he’s probably been a bit underrated,” he told the Chronicle.
“A lot of blame has been put his way but I don’t think that should have been the case. He’s tried to do all the right things.”
“He’s got a long way to go but he’s got better and he’s not making as many mistakes as some people think he has.”
Sunderland’s Papy Djilobodji in action with Middlesbrough’s Antonio Barragan
Sunderland will certainly be praying there is improvement to come from Djilobodji, and indeed the rest of their defence, moving forward.
They have already conceded 21 goals in 11 games so far, the third most of all the teams in the league.
That leaky defence has played a part in their poor start to the season, with them currently bottom of the table and six points from safety.
Last season’s survival bid was built on a quick improvement in defence under Sam Allardyce and more of the same is needed if they are to avoid the drop again this year, starting with Djilobodji.
Sunderland’s Papy Djilobodji and Lamine Kone celebrate at full time
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