Sunderland manager David Moyes has hailed Patrick van Aanholt, saying that the defender can be the best in the English Premier League.
The Dutchman had been sterling in his role for Sunderland this campaign. He was dropped for the Premier League match against West Bromwich Albion but the talented player scored a goal to earn the team a point when introduced later on.
“His goal record is fantastic for the amount of chances we create. We need more though from elsewhere,” Moyes said of the player.
“The likes of Pat – who does come up with one or two goals. But at the moment the development for Pat would be to become a top left back – that is what we want him to be. All the best left backs are attacking; you look at Danny Rose, Leighton Baines, Ashley Cole over the years.
“They have all been great attacking left backs. There is no reason why Pat shouldn’t try an achieve that,” Moyes added. Van Aanholt can shown superior offensive capabilities one week, then in subsequent games he could be embarrassing with his poor defensive play. He is that player that can be the best and worst at the same time.
Van Aanholt has two goals to his name this campaign, scoring in the duel against Middlesbrough and getting the equalizer against West Brom. However, the same player has cost his club goals when he faltered in games against Crystal Palace, Everton and Manchester City. Under Sam Allardyce, the player managed his defensive roles better but has worsened under Moyes.
There is enough pressure on Jermain Defoe already, so dropping Van Aanholt wouldn’t make a lot of sense as it would impair the attacking prowess of the squad. However, Moyes would need to quickly help van Aanholt return to his best before he sinks Sunderland further this term.