Alan Shearer admits that Sunderland have made a signing who is ‘solid as a rock’
Sunderland picked up another point in the Premier League this past weekend, and Alan Shearer was impressed by one member of the Black Cats squad.
Sunderland have made an impressive start to life back in the top flight of English football, picking up seven points from the four opening matches.
Regis Le Bris’ men currently sit seventh in the Premier League table, and Saturday’s goalless draw against Crystal Palace was another example of their quality.
The performance against the Eagles was so good that even Newcastle United legend Shearer had only positive things to say.
Alan Shearer was impressed by Nordi Mukiele
Sunderland were defensively resilient against Crystal Palace, keeping their second clean sheet of the season to guarantee an important point in their quest to remain in the top flight.
One player who caught the eye was Nordi Mukiele, who signed a four-year contract with Sunderland during the summer transfer window.
His performance was so strong that Shearer placed him in his Premier League team of the week after he played a key role in Sunderland’s defensive efforts.
“[He] stood firm and didn’t give Jean-Philippe Mateta a sniff. Solid as a rock.”
Mukiele won 75 per cent of his ground duels throughout the game as he tried to keep Mateta quiet, and his performance proved that he’s more than capable of thriving in the Premier League.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Shearer has publicly praised Sunderland this season, admitting that it’s “great” to have them back in the division.
He was impressed with the summer transfer business Sunderland conducted, and Mukiele is backing up Shearer’s early thoughts on the pitch.
Nordi Mukiele was once a Man United target
Mukiele might be new to the Premier League, but he almost made it to the English top flight several years ago.
TBR Football understands the 27-year-old was previously a target of Manchester United during Erik ten Hag’s reign as Red Devils manager.
Ten Hag had hoped to sign Mukiele to improve their defensive options at the time, but the transfer never happened.
Instead, Mukiele has spent his time learning his trade around Europe, playing for PSG, Bayer Leverkusen, and RB Leipzig before making his move to the Stadium of Light.
