LEE Johnson says his make shift full back Carl Winchester has been demonstarting his class this season with all round performances for Sunderland.
Winchester, a midfielder by nature, is being used this season as a right-back by Lee Johnson as part of a new look team with a different way of playing.
The Northern Irishman joined the club earlier this year after signing a two-and-a-half year deal from League Two side Forest Green Rovers.
Playing in a slightly deeper role, Winchester has given his best goalscoring return in a Sunderland shirt with three goals so far in League One.
While Winchester has been prolific going forward this season, his defensive contribution has helped the team to nine wins from eleven in all competitions.
Carl Winchester's first-half strike secured a 1-0 win over Bolton in @SkyBetLeagueOne at the weekend.
— Sunderland AFC StatZone (@SunderlandAFCsz) September 27, 2021
We've taken a look at his stats from the game below.👇#SAFC @peter_heron pic.twitter.com/1Dkdjdvkw2
The fans have dubbed him as Winiesta but they may have reconsider the nickname given that he looks set to stay as the manager's number one right-back.
Johnson said: “You see how well Winny has done and another goal today. I think everyone is now seeing that quality he brings.
“He’s a class player and a class finisher.
“Everything about what he does and the way he plays, like I said, he’s a proper technician. Whether that’s a finish or a pass, he’s got that.
“What’s been nice to see is his defending. Even in a couple of interceptions he’s made where they’ve made out to in runs and through balls that were good balls but very close. It showed you he was switched on defensively as well."
Winchester combined well with fellow full-back Dennis Cirkin for his goal at the weekend with his opposite number laying on the assist for his goal at the Stadium of Light adding to his strikes against AFC Wimbledon and Accrington Stanley.
An alternative angle 😍
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) September 26, 2021
However, Cirkin may not be available for tomorrow's game against Cheltenham Town. He is being assessed for concussion after a clash of heads with a Bolton player at the weekend.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here