Dick Advocaat has had words with Patrick van Aanholt about his sloppy start to the new season.
The left-back has been heavily criticised for his lack of effectiveness at the back so far in the 2015-16 campaign, with his poor positioning and neglect of his defensive duties contributing largely to the seven goals Sunderland have shipped in just two games.
The Dutchman's pace is a real asset going forward, but the Black Cats have stressed a need to defend before they attack, the main point emphasised in a 'crisis meeting' on Sunday, and thus van Aanholt needs to rectify poor performances, with his manager even believing so.
Advocaat in need of another left-back
When asked about the left-back's two sloppy displays in the build up to today's fixture against Swansea City, Advocaat revealed that he has "discussed it with [the player]," via Shields Gazette.
However, the manager admitted that "it's easier when you have players on the bench who can replace him," with van Aanholt unable to be dropped due to the lack of a back-up in his position - only Adam Matthews could provide real cover, the right-back versatile enough to play anywhere along the back line, but a natural replacement would still be preferred.
Advocaat admits he has even "discussed" the problem "with the coach of the [under-21s]" but those talks revealed that Sunderland "can only really replace [van Aanholt] if [they] buy another player," with it implied here that Tom Robson, the under-21s left-back, is dubbed as not ready to make the step up to the Premier League.
Still, the manager is confident in his player's ability to improve, saying that he "still think[s] he can do it," but if he can't, then the team will "have to think about" recruiting a back-up, as they "can't accept what he's showed in the last two games."