Sunderland defender Lamine Kone has been nowhere near as good as he was last season in red and white.
Sunderland defender Lamine Kone was a hero in red and white last season, but he is turning into a villain on Wearside under David Moyes.
The Ivory Coast international played a key role in keeping Sunderland in the Premier League last season under David Moyes, with his colossal performances at the back making him a fan favourite for the Black Cats.
A contract debacle over the summer and links with a move away skewed some fans’ opinions on Kone, who has since signed a new deal at the club, but he is losing the support of the Sunderland faithful after a woeful start to the season.
Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil in action with Sunderland’s Lamine Kone
As highlighted by Jamie Carragher on Monday Night Football (broadcast 31 October), the way Kone has played has been far from acceptable, with his effort and application nowhere to be seen.
Sunderland’s position speaks for itself, but the stats show how the centre back is doing worse in key areas this season compared to his first sixth months on Wearside.
| 2016/17 | Tackles per game | Clearances per game | Duels won per game | Aerial duels won per game | Interceptions per game | Points per game | Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lamine Koné | 1.13 | 7.25 | 4.75 | 2.75 | 1.13 | 0.25 | 8 |
| 2015/16 | Tackles per game | Clearances per game | Duels won per game | Aerial duels won per game | Interceptions per game | Points per game | Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lamine Koné | 1.87 | 9.2 | 5.67 | 3.27 | 2.2 | 1.33 | 15 |
In all five of the key defensive statistics listed above, Kone is performing worse on average. Fewer tackles, fewer clearances, fewer duels won, fewer aerial duels won, fewer interceptions won.
While the margins are not huge, it is clear to see on the pitch how much worse Kone has been since the new season began.
Sunderland’s Lamine Kone, Duncan Watmore and Jack Rodwell with teammates before the match
Alongside Younes Kaboul, Kone looked focused at the back, stopping everything in his path, but against Arsenal on Saturday, he looked laboured and disinterested, walking around the pitch failing to do his duties as a defender.
There are no signs of things getting any better for Sunderland right now, and they need their key players like Kone to step up and put in the performances the club and the loyal fans deserve.
Sunderland’s Lamine Kone during the warm up before the match
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
