The Black Cats have conceded nine goals in five games so far.
Niall Quinn before the match
Former Sunderland manager Niall Quinn has told Sky Sports he believes that John O’Shea is the answer to their current defensive problems.
The Black Cats have endured another poor start to the season this year, picking up just one point from their first five games.
Their latest defeat came to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday as a mistake from summer signing Papy Djilobodji gifted Harry Kane the winning goal.
Tottenham’s Harry Kane in action with Sunderland’s Papy Djilobodji and Jordan Pickford
That striker was the ninth goal they have conceded already, the joint third worst record in the division so far.
It is a major problem that manager David Moyes needs to fix quickly and Quinn believes he has the answer.
“For various reasons, I think John O’Shea might be the answer,” he told Sky Sports.
“The two Sunderland defenders at the moment do the job for themselves, whereas John O’Shea also does the job for others. He’s very good at reading a game. He could have pushed them into better positions.”
Tottenham’s Vincent Janssen in action with Sunderland’s Papy Djilobodji
While O’Shea believes that O’Shea is the answer to Sunderland’s current issues, a look at the stats from last season says otherwise.
Of all the Black Cats defenders to make more than 15 appearances, he won the fewest tackles per game and the fewest defensive duels per game.
He also won the third fewest interceptions per game, all of which indicate his best days may actually be behind him.
There is no denying his experience, though, and perhaps it is that factor that Moyes could be keen to add above all else.
Sunderland’s John O’Shea
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