Denayer has been used in midfield with Sunderland hit by injuries in recent weeks.
Sunderland captain John O’Shea has been impressed with the contribution that Jason Denayer has made to the side in recent weeks, the Sunderland Echo reports.
Denayer joined the club in the summer on loan from Manchester City and is more used to being used in the back line, but in recent weeks David Moyes has picked him as a central midfielder, acting as a shield in front of the back four during a period where the Black Cats have struggled for bodies.
Sunderland’s Jason Denayer in action with Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum
He was given the unenviable task of man-marking Philippe Coutinho in last week’s defeat to Liverpool at Anfield prior to the Brazilian being stretchered off, which suggests the amount of faith his manager has in him.
O’Shea has been full of praise for Denayer, and is quoted in the Sunderland Echo, saying: “His performances have been very important to the team.
“He is not a natural midfielder, he is more of a say defender where he has learned in his early parts of his career at Celtic and Galatasaray.
“His natural ability on the ball has been able to allow the manager to use him as a midfield option.
Liverpool’s Sadio Mane in action with Sunderland’s John O’Shea
“It just shows and credit to the player himself.”
His time in the midfield is certainly likely to add another string to his bow. If a player can show he can acquit himself well in several areas of the field then he becomes that more of an option to his manager.
It’s clear that David Moyes is a fan, and has commented on the speed he offers Sunderland in that middle of the park. One wonders whether he will be used in midfield in the medium to long term. Sunderland’s current shortage of options means that Denayer is likely to see a lot of game time there if nothing else.
Sunderland manager David Moyes
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