Amad Diallo proved to be the match-winner for Sunderland as they beat Birmingham City 2-1 to move within a point of the play-off places.
Manchester United starlet Amad signed on loan for Sunderland last summer.
He has been earning plaudits for his performances with the Black Cats. In 25 starts this term, he has bagged 12 goals and three assists.
Amad has scored some wonderful goals this season and today’s strike against the Blues was no different.
After receiving the ball on the right flank, he charged at the Birmingham defenders. He used his quick feet to skip past two of them with ease before finding the bottom corner.
The Ivorian completed five of the seven dribbles he attempted and finished the game with a passing accuracy of 88%.
Sunderland were reduced to 10 men and had to dig deep to see out the victory.
The victory puts the Black Cats a whisker away from the play-off positions.
Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray has lauded Amad several times this season and the 20-year-old has done well to repay his faith.
Amad is determined to get an opportunity with United’s first team next season.
Erik ten Hag is known for nurturing young talents. Amad could thrive under the Dutchman and contribute in important moments as Alejandro Garnacho has done this season.
Ten Hag wants his forwards to be flexible and Amad has shown that quality with Sunderland. He has played as a centre-forward, right-winger and attacking centre-midfielder.
With Anthony Elanga looking out of favour, there will be an opening for a forward and Amad could take that spot.
It will be up to the Ivory Coast international to impress Ten Hag in pre-season and show that he is worthy of staying at Old Trafford.
