Ivorian centre-back Lamine Kone has returned to Sunderland from the Africa Cup of Nations.
Stranded at the bottom of the Premier League, Sunderland’s chances of avoiding relegation this season are looking slim. After bringing in free agent Joleon Lescott, as well as Everton pair Bryan Oviedo and Darron Gibson, Sunderland have at least given fans some hope. And at least the club kept hold of talisman Jermaine Defoe.
If Sunderland are to stand any chance of staying up this season, the Black Cats will surely need to do at least two things: Keep Defoe firing, and tighten up that leaky defence.
Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe
And with Defoe’s goals not looking like drying up any time soon, Sunderland’s place in the Premier League could well rest in how well their manager can sort out their defence.
With the return of Ivory Coast defender Lamine Kone, Sunderland fans have another reason to be hopeful. The Black Cats have struggled with combinations of John O’Shea, Jason Denayer and Papy Djilbodji at the back, and will welcome the return of a defender who was such a rock for them last season.
SEE ALSO: Sunderland signing explains January move
Sunderland’s Lamine Kone in action with West Bromwich Albion’s Salomon Rondon
Fast, strong and powerful, Kone was vital to Sam Allardyce’s Sunderland side last season, and arguably played the biggest role, along with Defoe, in keeping the Black Cats in the Premier League.
Talented in the air as well, Kone’s return also offers Sunderland another goal threat. His headed goals from corners last season came often at vital times for Sunderland, and this may well become a tactic for David Moyes as he desperately goes in search of goals.
Sunderland’s Lamine Kone heads at goal
Today’s visit to Palace is the proverbial ‘6-pointer’, and Sunderland fans must feel that they at least have a a better chance of getting something out of this game.
Sunderland’s Lamine Kone celebrates with team mates after scoring their first goal
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
