Alan Shearer can’t stop praising Sunderland star after yet another Premier League ‘masterclass’

Add as preferred source on Google

Sunderland continued their brilliant start to life back in the Premier League after drawing 1-1 with Aston Villa despite going down to 10 men.

Wilson Isidor secured the Black Cats another valuable point in their bid to avoid Premier League relegation, despite Matty Cash breaking the deadlock for the goal-shy visitors at the Stadium of Light.

While the pressure is building on Unai Emery, whose trusted ally Monchi is set to leave Villa Park, Sunderland are continuing to tick along nicely, with the point moving them up to seventh.

Regis Le Bris splashed the cash wisely during the summer transfer window on 14 new signings, and one in particular has caught the eye of Newcastle legend Alan Shearer.

• READ MORE: Theo Walcott says Sunderland star will be a ‘major factor’ in avoiding relegation

Alan Shearer praises Nordi Mukiele’s performance

Indeed, Shearer felt compelled to praise the Mackems for the second week running after their battling performance against Aston Villa.

He was especially impressed with defender Nordi Mukiele, who moved to Wearside from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth just £12million.

The 27-year-old was superb again at the weekend and was deservedly selected in Shearer’s latest Premier League team of the week.

The pundit wrote: “Only his third Premier League appearance, and with his side down to 10 men after 33 minutes, Mukiele produced a defensive masterclass against Aston Villa as Sunderland earned another impressive point.”

Mukiele is no stranger to performing at the top level, having won five trophies at PSG after joining in 2022.

He was signed by Sunderland to inject versatility and experience into the side, with sporting director Kristjaan Speakman saying he “possesses rare athletic qualities”.

• READ MORE: Mark Clattenburg reacts to Reinildo red card in Sunderland vs Aston Villa and claims mistake was made

How did Nordi Mukiele play vs Aston Villa?

Believe it or not, Mukiele also created more chances than any other player against Villa, despite being fielded at the heart of Le Bris’ back four.

He was robust in the challenge and typically composed on the ball, which proved especially crucial after Reinildo’s clumsy sending off just 33 minutes into the game.

Mukiele is a manager’s dream, able to play anywhere across the defence and bomb down the flanks from full-back. He can also be trusted to win his duels and recycle possession.

After missing out against Burnley in Sunderland’s curtain-raiser, he has played the full 90 minutes in every league game since, delivering remarkably consistent performances. It’s surely just a matter of time before he’s named in Shearer’s team of the week again.