Sunderland boss David Moyes has given Wahbi Khazri just five starts this season.
Lee Cattermole’s comments to the Sunderland Echo about Wahbi Khazri highlight the mistake that David Moyes has made this season.
Cattermole spoke positively about Khazri’s return to Sunderland’s line-up last weekend, when the Tunisian international impressed against West Ham United.
The midfielder said: “It was great to have him out there, he gives you a bit of energy, the ability to take the ball, pass it and follow it, he’s a great lad, he’s lively and what you want on the pitch with you.
“It has been difficult for him of late for one reason or another, but he’s shown how much he wants to play for the club.”
Cattermole’s comments highlight how highly regarded Khazri is with his teammates, and makes Moyes’ failure to use the winger this season even more baffling.
With Sunderland struggling for goals, Moyes has stubbornly refused to give Khazri a run of games.
The former Bordeaux man has been handed just five Premier League starts this season, with most his appearances being 20 minute cameos at the end matches.
Moyes did finally turn to Khazri for Sunderland’s match against West Ham, and the winger was the best player on the pitch.
Khazri threatened West Ham’s defence, and even scored directly from a corner, to help his side pick up a 2-2 draw.
Khazri’s impact is surely too little too late now though, and Moyes may look back on his decision not to play the 26-year-old earlier on in the season as a major error, when Sunderland’s relegation is inevitably confirmed in the coming weeks.
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