Sunderland star named in European Team of the Week, set for new role

 

Sunderland defender Patrick van Aanholt has been selected in Gazzetta dello Sport’s European Team of the Week for last weekend’s round of matches.

Each week the Italian newspaper selects the best eleven from players outside of Serie A, and this week Van Aanholt has been picked after his performance against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.

Van Aanholt was in impressive form at the weekend during his side’s 1-1 draw with West Brom, and subsequently has made the cut in the European best eleven.

The left back scored Sunderland’s leveller for David Moyes’ side, which could turn out to be an important point for the Premier League side. Saturday’s performance will come as a relief to Van Aanholt after the flak he came in for last week’s 3-2 loss to Crystal Palace.

Van Aanholt has been Sunderland’s second top scorer behind Jermain Defoe in 2016 which has led to Moyes suggesting the Dutchman could be played in an advanced role. Realising the player’s occasional defensive weaknesses, the Sunderland manager said he has the option to utilise the left back as a winger given his attacking abilities.