Sunderland broke their transfer record by signing the midfielder.
Didier Ndong of Lorient
Sunderland manager David Moyes has said that new signing Didier Ndong has the characteristics of Chelsea midfielder N’golo Kante in his makeup, and explained the lengthy process of pursuing the player.
Ndong signed on the final day of the transfer window from Lorient – breaking Sunderland’s transfer record in the process.
The Scot is quoted in the Chronicle, saying: “We had been pushing to bring in Ndong for quite a while, but we kept getting the message back that he wouldn’t be leaving.
Sunderland manager David Moyes
“It was only two or three days ago that it opened up and there was a chance that we might be able to sign him.
“We like the look of him, he has good energy, he is young, he will improve with time.
“I think he has a personality to his play.
“I’m not saying he is another N’Golo Kante, but there is a bit of that in his makeup.”
Didier Ndong of Lorient
At the age of 22, there is plenty of development to come from the player. Kante is renowned for being able to break up play and cover for other players out of position – helped largely by his energy – and had a tremendous effect on the Leicester City side that shocked English football last season by winning the Premier League title.
If Ndong has half of that effect then it could prove to be a shrewd piece of business by the Black Cats, though judging by the Sunderland manager’s comments there are some differences. He could inject a different kind of dynamic into the Sunderland midfield and give them a decent platform to attack from.
Moyes likes his sides to be organised and compact and it will be interesting to see how Ndong adapts to life on Wearside in the early stages of his Premier League career.
Sunderland manager David Moyes
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
