The striker became the Black Cats’ youngest ever player in the Premier League in the clash with Middlesbrough.
Sunderland manager David Moyes before the match
Sunderland youngster Joel Asoro has told the club’s official website that he was grateful to David Moyes for handing him his debut last weekend.
The Swedish striker was handed his chance to impress on Sunday when Moyes brought him on as a late substitute against Middlesbrough.
At just 17 years old, he become the youngest player ever to represent the club in the Premier League.
Unfortunately, he was not able to change the score, with the Black Cats losing 2-1 to their rivals in their second defeat of the season.
Sunderland’s Joel Asoro in action with Middlesbrough’s Antonio Barragan as Sunderland manager David Moyes watches on
It is probably not how Asoro will have envisioned his debut going, but he says he was grateful nonetheless.
“I was very pleased and I didn’t expect to come on but when the manager gave me the call I just tried to do my best,” he told the club’s official website.
“It meant so much to make my debut in front of the home crowd because everyone was screaming and the atmosphere was amazing, so I was very grateful.”
Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe
It now remains to be seen if this is the first of many first-team appearances in future for Asoro.
Moyes has shown he is willing to give youth a chance at the Stadium of Light so far this season, with Asoro one of several to already appear.
And with the Scot yet to find a suitable back-up for star man Jermain Defoe, this may not be the last time that Sunderland fans see Asoro this season.
Sunderland manager David Moyes before the match
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