The South African has been out on the wings at Everton most of his career.
Steven Pienaar in action
Sunderland made a move in the transfer market this week, confirming the signature of South African veteran Steven Pienaar on a free transfer.
The Bafana Bafana legend has been without a club since being released by Everton earlier this summer and has earned a deal after being on trial at the Academy of Light.
Gary Medel (L) and Steven Pienaar in action
Sunderland boss David Moyes knows the player well, having worked with him at Goodison Park.
But where does Moyes see him playing?
There was a time when he formed one of the most feared winger-full-back combinations in England with Leighton Baines.
Sunderland manager David Moyes poses
But Pienaar’s injury problems in recent years have been shocking. He featured just six times for Everton last season and only 11 times in 2014-15 and when he returned to action he looked to have lost any pace he ever had.
But when Moyes first signed Pienaar for Everton, the South African was not considered a winger.
He arrived from Borussia Dortmund as a central-midfield player, a position he featured in for both the German club and during his time at Ajax.
Sunderland need to strengthen in the heart of midfield and the composed style of Pienaar could be a shrewd addition in the middle of the park for Sunderland.
It certainly would appear more likely that Moyes sees his new signing playing in this central role for Sunderland.
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