Sunderland’s Dennis Cirkin Earns Spot in EFL Team of the Week After Standout Display
Sunderland’s Championship campaign continues to impress, with the team securing three wins from their last four matches. Their latest triumph, a come-from-behind 2-1 victory against Norwich City, has propelled the Black Cats to 4th place, six points clear of Blackburn Rovers in 5th.
The match saw Sunderland overcome a first-half deficit, with Dan Ballard equalizing before Jobe Bellingham sealed the win late on with a composed finish from a tight angle. While Ballard and Bellingham garnered much of the attention, another standout performance came from an unexpected source: Dennis Cirkin. The left-back earned a place in EFL expert Gabriel Sutton’s Team of the Week for his contributions, despite being somewhat overshadowed during the game.
Cirkin’s Contribution Against Norwich
Cirkin played a key role in Sunderland’s victory, providing the assist for Bellingham’s winning goal and helping to neutralize Norwich’s attack in the second half. While his performance might not have attracted the same level of fanfare as his teammates’, it did not escape Sutton’s notice, who highlighted Cirkin’s influence in his weekly team selection.
A Crucial Player for Sunderland in 2024/25
Cirkin’s impact on Sunderland’s season is undeniable. The Black Cats have consistently performed better with him in the lineup, averaging 2.15 points per game when he plays compared to just 0.66 points per game in his absence. His contributions include two goals and two assists, with a significant role in nine of Sunderland’s goals this season.
The 2024/25 season underscores Cirkin’s importance to manager Regis Le Bris’ side. As a full-back with the ability to change games, Cirkin has proven himself to be a vital part of Sunderland’s success and a player the team can build around.
