The Black Cats have been linked with the long-serving Toffees centre-back.
From automatic starter to outcast in a matter of weeks, Phil Jagielka’s chances of ending his career at Goodison Park are looking increasingly unlikely as long as Ronald Koeman remains at the helm.
And, armed with a three-year deal, the Dutchman appears certain to outlast his 34-year-old centre-half. Though it’s a measure of his recent decline that Everton fans would mark Jagielka’s exit with respect for a great servant rather than the loss of a crucial player.
The England international’s importance has decreased as the season as gone on, not helped by a series of error-strewn performances. Giving away two penalties at Manchester City and receiving a silly second yellow at Arsenal isn’t exactly the best way to endear yourself to a new manager.
Therefore, you have to wonder why a side in Sunderland’s predicament would consider making an approach for a defender whose best years remain consigned to the past. Yet, the Daily Mail report that The Black Cats are interested in a January swoop for a player who has fallen to, at best, third choice at Goodison Park.
However, that does not take into account one crucial factor. David Moyes. Under the Scotsman’s pragmatic approach, Jagielka evolved into one of the Premier League’s most committed, reliable centre-halves and a regular England starter to boot.
And, at the Stadium of Light, Moyes needs leaders, experienced figureheads willing to put their body on the line and salvage a point or earn three. Jagielka is the man for the job.
In truth, the veteran centre-back’s decline begun under the progressive approach of Roberto Martinez, who apparently valued his defender’s ball-playing abilities over their capacity to, well, defend.
Yet, at Sunderland, Jagielka would find a club, and a manager, suited to his style.
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