Dick Advocaat admits he could deploy Jack Rodwell in defence in a bid to fix Sunderland's woes at the back.
The Black Cats have leaked 20 goals in eight games this season, with their summer transfer business, that saw them recruit four defenders, hardly paying off as of yet.
As a result, the manager has revealed that he is considering playing Rodwell in defence instead, with the £10 million man having his own point to prove on Wearside.
Advocaat considering Rodwell at the back
Speaking to the Sunderland Echo, Advocaat admits that he thought about playing the former-Everton midfielder in defence "last season when he was not in the team."
Rodwell used to play as a centre-back when he was younger, and he has struggled to establish himself in the centre of the park at the Stadium of Light, so a move into defence could benefit both parties.
The manager believes he has many aspects of his game that will make him a good fit at the back, saying that "he is good in the air" and that "he has got two good feet."
Advocaat even went as far as saying that Rodwell is exactly what he is looking for "in terms of giving the ball to his teammates," fitting the profile perfectly both "football-wise and passing-wise."
The Dutchman said that these are traits that he was searching for in a centre-back in the summer, and that is why he was "so keen to get [Nicolas] Lombaerts" in from Zenit St. Petersburg, as he is another "who can start things off at the back" - the Belgian failed a medical on Wearside.
Still, Rodwell could present an upgrade on the inconsistent figures of Sebastian Coates and Younes Kaboul, with Advocaat hinting as much, saying that the team "have too many players who just kick the ball away."
Midfielder could struggle for game time in his natural position
The switch of positions could be good for Rodwell, with him struggling to nail down a place in the team in midfield.
He started against Manchester City in the midweek cup defeat, but was withdrawn at the break, a contrast from him being introduced at half time in the 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth last weekend.
The man who replaced him on Tuesday night was Lee Cattermole, and he is in line for a full return to the team tomorrow against Manchester United too, meaning, unless he starts in defence, Rodwell is unlikely to feature from the start at Old Trafford.
Advocaat admitted that his vice-captain "did well when he came on" for Rodwell earlier this week, saying the team boast good "sharpness when he is there" and that he helps them play "a simple game."
Sunderland face the Red Devils at 1500BST tomorow afternoon, still searching for their first win of the new Premier League season.