Noah Sadiki’s move to a deep-lying role backfired against Liverpool, proving the DR Congo international is being wasted as a defensive anchor at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland’s fortress finally fell on Wednesday night. After an incredible unbeaten run at the Stadium of Light, the Black Cats suffered their first home defeat of the season at the hands of Premier League champions Liverpool.
While Arne Slot’s side has looked vulnerable this campaign, they proved too clinical for a Sunderland side that lacked its usual fluency. While the 1-0 scoreline suggests a close encounter, the tactical battle in the heart of the pitch told a different story—one where Régis Le Bris may have overthought his selection.
The Sadiki Experiment Fails
The most glaring issue was the positioning of Noah Sadiki. Since his arrival from Union Saint-Gilloise, the 21-year-old has been a revelation, with Manchester United reportedly weighing up a £50m move for the midfielder before Christmas.
However, in the absence of the injured Granit Xhaka, Le Bris deployed Sadiki as a lone number six (anchor). The result? Sunderland’s most dynamic engine was effectively neutralized.
Noah Sadiki’s Struggles vs Liverpool:
- Shots: 0
- Ground Duels Won: 2/5 (60% lost)
- Dribbles Completed: 0/1
- Tackles Won: 0/1
- Match Rating: 5/10 (Sunderland Echo)
While his passing remained elite (95% accuracy), Sadiki was bypassed twice by Liverpool’s midfield. By shackling him to a defensive role, Le Bris robbed Sunderland of the “athletic powerhouse” energy that has defined their return to the top flight.
Defensive Deficiencies Exposed
It wasn’t just Sadiki’s role that faltered. The collective defensive effort lacked the bite required to stop the Champions. Sunderland won a dismal 21% of their tackles, compared to Liverpool’s dominant 83%.
Up front, Brian Brobbey fought a losing physical battle against Ibrahima Konaté, losing nine of his ten aerial duels. It was a frustrating night where the hosts’ usual intensity was replaced by a sterile, deep-lying approach that played right into Liverpool’s hands.
The Solution for Le Bris
With Xhaka still weeks away from a return, Sunderland cannot afford to waste Sadiki’s energy in a static role. The solution seems obvious: move Lutsharel Geertruida into the defensive anchor position and unleash Sadiki further forward.
Sunderland remains 12 points clear of the drop zone, but if they want to maintain their “big time” status, Le Bris must quickly realize that his £50m asset is a Ferrari being driven like a tractor in that deep-lying role.
Ronald Mike is a football writer covering the English Premier League, providing match analysis, tactical insight, and coverage of key rivalries and title races across the season.
