Djilobodki was sent off during the closing stages of Sunderland’s win at the weekend.
Sunderland manager David Moyes believes that defender Papy Djilobodji is playing as if he is four or five years younger than his actual age, the Chronicle reports.
Moyes was referring to some inexperience shown by the 27-year-old as he was sent off in the latter stages of the Black Cats’ 3-0 win over Hull City at the weekend.
As a result, the summer signing from Chelsea will be suspended for this weekend’s trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool.
Moyes praised the defender for his performance overall prior to his dismissal, but said the player is inexperienced.
He is quoted in the Chronicle, saying: “I thought he played well again, he’s coming on.
“But it just showed, he’s 27 but he’s playing like a 22 or 23-year-old centre-half at times with his little bit of inexperience.
“But it comes from games as well, and not maybe being brought up in the culture of ‘Don’t always go tight all the time’, we’re 3-0 up, what are you going in for a challenge for when it’s 3-0?”
It has not been the easiest of starts to life at the Stadium of Light for Djilobodji as he has made a few mistakes while adapting to his new club, although his manager has seen some encouraging signs.
It is hard not to detect frustration from Moyes though, who would have liked as much of his first choice defensive unit to be available for the next game against the Premier League’s leading scorers so far this season as possible, and Djilobodji’s absence has probably made the game against Liverpool that bit more difficult.
The only way that Djilobodji will iron out those weaknesses, and certainly in the case of inexperience, is by playing more games. There have been some improvements, but it is clear there is more for him to do.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
