Noah Sadiki embraces new Sunderland role

Congolese midfielder Noah Sadiki has embraced the challenge of playing in a deeper midfield role at Sunderland FC when there is a need to do so.

Speaking to the Premier League club’s media, the 21-year-old said it was challenging shifting roles, but he had embraced the task with both hands.

 

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The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) star played in the new position last weekend when the Black Cats lost 3-1 to West Ham United.

Reflecting on the experience, Sadiki said he accepted the role to make up for the absence of captain Granit Xhaka.

“Without Granit, I had to play the deeper role against West Ham, which was different for me. I had to be the voice and lead the team a little bit more. It’s a good way for me to improve, although we all know the quality Granit has. I like responsibility and when things get difficult, I have to show myself that I can step up,” the Congolese midfielder said.

Sadiki and change in role

Meanwhile, the Leopards midfielder says Sunderland FC are ready for the challenge that Burnley FC may pose in Monday’s Premier League match.

He said the Black Cats are eager and ready to bounce back from last week’s 3-1 loss to West Ham.

“We have shown a few times that we can bounce back after difficult results, so it’s up to us to show it again. It wasn’t an easy game, but now we are looking forward to it,” he said.

Sadiki signed a five-year contract with Sunderland for an undisclosed fee mid last year. He joined from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise with whom he helped to win the 2024-25 Belgian championship.

The youthful player launched his career at Belgian side Anderlecht while aged six, before working his way up to the professional ranks of RSCA.

Sadiki represented Belgium, the country of his birth, at the youth levels before switching to the DRC where he originally comes from.