Sunderland ace who lost the ball 17 times ‘really struggled’ in Leicester City defeat

Sunderland lost 1-0 at home to Leicester City in the Championship on Tuesday night, with one man in particular having a poor game.

Sunderland have now lost their last five games in the Championship.

Since Sunderland fired Michael Beale last month, the Black Cats have lost three out of their last three games under interim manager Mike Dodds. Despite the fact that the team was arguably unfairly denied a penalty late in the game, Chris Rigg and other players had strong performances, while full-back Leo Hjelde did not show much throughout the match.

Leo Hjelde ‘really struggled’ against Leicester City

Hjelde, 20, has started all seven games since arriving from Leeds United in the January transfer window.

And he impressed early doors, earning praise for some steady performances in games against Middlesbrough and Plymouth Argyle in particular.

But last night he certainly struggled; as per Sofascore, the Norwegian full-back gave the ball away 17 times which is more than any other Sunderland player on the night.

He received a 4/10 from Sunderland Echo that evening, with reporter Phil Smith adding:

Initially had a lot of defensive difficulties. improved in that regard, but had a difficult night struggling with his crossing.

Hjelde started out playing on the left of a back-four but has now played on the left of a back-five in the last two games.

Changes in shape not helping Hjelde or Sunderland

Dodds earned slight criticism last night for once again changing the shape and the set up.

Sunderland are now deploying a back-five, but last night’s game saw Jobe Bellingham playing out on the left with Hjelde in behind him.

And it simply didn’t work; this left side has been a bit of an issue of late with the Hjelde-Callum Styles link up also criticised in the game vs Swansea City last month.

Dodds seems to be trying to get all of his best player son the pitch at once.

But the Black Cats’ interim boss might be better leaving certain names on the bench so he can either call upon them when needed or unleash them later in games.

It’s a nice problem to have but a tricky one to manage, as Sunderland’s top players will obviously want as much game time as possible.

But right now there seems to be too much going on. Dodds might benefit from simplifying things a bit, and in Hjelde’s case, switching to a back-four and having him play as a somewhat old school full-back.

Up next for the Black Cats is a trip to Southampton in the Championship on Saturday.

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