Tony Mowbray has highlighted the recent performances of Amad Diallo ahead of Sunderland’s clash with Cardiff City this weekend.
The Ivory Coast international sealed all three points on Tuesday night with a stoppage-time goal against Huddersfield Town.
That earned the Black Cats a 2-0 win at the John Smith Stadium and also capped off an impressive display for the winger.
The Sunderland boss has been impressed by his recent form, having previously challenged him to showcase his talent when given an opportunity in the team.
The 58-year-old compared him to Liverpool academy graduate Harvey Elliot, who he worked with during his time with Blackburn Rovers and has now broken into Jurgen Klopp’s team as an important squad member.
“At Blackburn Rovers, we had Harvey Elliott for a whole season and sometimes they have to make the step up,’ said Mowbray, via Sports Illustrated.
“Amad has got amazing talent like Harvey Elliott had amazing talent.
“Whether he makes the jump to play for Manchester United, where they have to win every game, we’ll have to see what the future holds.
“But I’m really pleased that he’s with us.
“We can see on the training pitch that he’s got amazing talent.
“You can see why Manchester United might’ve paid an incredible amount of money for him.
“The ball sticks to his foot, he’s fast and he knows where the net is. He just has to play football and enjoy it.
“[Against Luton] his physical data, he was top in every aspect from distance covered to number of high-speed sprints, he was amazingly athletic as well as showing his talent.
“That bodes well for us and also accelerates him in my mind in terms of him being a starting player for us, beyond a young lad who I can bring off the bench.”
Amad has made 11 Championship appearances since making the temporary switch to the Stadium of Light in the summer.
Four of those have come from the start, with the 20-year-old earning an increased role 4in the side in recent weeks due to injuries and suspensions.
He will be hoping to retain his place in the side this weekend when the team takes on Cardiff City on Saturday.
Sunderland are currently 12th in the second division table going into the clash.
The Verdict
Amad will want to continue performing and improving in order to garner the attention of Erik ten Hag.
At only 20, there is still so much potential that he can reach in his career if he can continue to progress.
His recent performances for Sunderland have shown the talent he possesses, and has proven what a shrewd loan move this was from the club.
He offers the team plenty of attacking threat, and has increased competition for a place in the starting lineup, which is an incredibly healthy position for Mowbray to be in once everyone is fit.