Kristjaan Speakman has been assessing Sunderland’s new strikers’ development during the summer transfer window. He expresses confidence in their potential improvement and emphasizes the importance of patience during their adaptation to a new environment.
During the summer, Sunderland made permanent signings of three strikers and secured Mason Burstow on a season-long loan from Chelsea. Although Burstow and Nazariy Rusyn have each scored a goal in the new year, the start of the campaign has been challenging for all four players. Luis Hemir and Eliezer Mayenda have yet to score, with Mayenda facing limited involvement due to injury. The club aims to acquire an experienced striker before the January transfer window closes to alleviate pressure on the quartet and potentially facilitate Hemir’s loan for regular game time. Despite this, the club’s sporting director remains optimistic about their long-term success.
Speakman stated, “We have strong belief in the players within the squad. Our challenge lies in providing clear expectations, which we may not have done effectively in the past. For instance, feedback from fan forums regarding a player signed about a year ago indicated dissatisfaction, while internally, we believed the player had exceeded our initial expectations.”
He emphasized the importance of understanding the players’ current stage in their careers and the trajectory they’re aiming for. He acknowledged the modern desire for instant results but highlighted the reality that adaptation takes time. Using examples like Amad and Ross Stewart, he illustrated how players often require a period to adjust to new surroundings before showcasing their potential. He stressed the need to create a conducive environment for players to thrive and expressed confidence in their ability to improve over time. However, he acknowledged that predicting their ultimate level of success involves various factors beyond immediate performance. Regarding Burstow, Chelsea has opted not to end his loan despite initial challenges, with Beale commending his dedication in training after his return to the starting lineup.
