Sunderland left-back Bryan Oviedo has had a fine start to the season, but has been linked with a move from Wearside.
Sunderland full-back Bryan Oviedo has had an emphatic start to the 2018/19 League One campaign and currently looks a level above the rest. Oviedo missed out on Sunderland’s recent 4-1 win at Priestfield Stadium against Gillingham, but summer signing Reece James filled that void.
The loanee from Wigan Athletic not only provided excellent cover for the in-form Oviedo, but also showed that he could provide healthy competition in his favoured position, as well as throwing his name in the hat to be first-choice on the left side.
James managed several important tackles that made a huge difference in the game, and even showed his attacking nature – often bombing down the left side and putting crosses into a dangerous area.
The 24-year-old also played a role in the build-up to Sunderland’s fourth goal on Wednesday evening, with a full-blooded challenge to win the ball back and then a cross into the box for Josh Maja to put away.
Oviedo has been linked with a move away from Wearside, and James could find himself as Jack Ross’s number one left-back soon.
Regardless of Oviedo’s future, however, James is likely to play in Sunderland’s next game at AFC Wimbledon on Saturday afternoon. And the Lancashire-born man will have yet another chance to stake his claim for one of the Sunderland full-back positions.
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