Sunderland loanee DeAndre Yedlin believes that he has improved as a defender since his arrival at the Stadium of Light.

Vastly improved

Yedlin made a temporary move to the North East from Tottenham Hotspur and has impressed under the watch of Sam Allardyce, making 18 appearances and becoming a staple in the starting XI starting in the last six matches.

As his season on Wearside draws to a close, the USA international is gearing up for a return to White Hart Lane to battle the likes of Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier for a spot in the team, but the 22-year-old said that Allardyce has massively aided his development.

Yedlin told Sky Sports that the “defensive side” of his game was something that he “wanted to work on,” especially “coming into the Premier League”.

He continued, saying that he felt that his defending was what needed the "most improvement” and that Allardyce has “really helped” him develop that.

Yedlin said that “positional awareness” comes with experience and that “getting game time helps,” admitting that he is “more comfortable” with his positioning and is picking his attacking moves better now.

Above: Deandre Yedlin tussling with Manchester United's Anthony Martial after stating that his defending has improved since his move to Sunderland
Above: DeAndre Yedlin tussling with Manchester United's Anthony Martial after stating that his defending has improved since his move to Sunderland. | Photo: Sky Sports

Every little helps

Mauricio Pochettino’s side have excelled this campaign, currently sitting second but seven points behind current leaders Leicester City.

Yedlin could help a lending hand to his parent club though with the Black Cats hosting Claudio Ranieri’s side on Sunday lunchtime. However, he admitted that his first priority is helping Sunderland avoid the drop.

He said that beating Leicester would “definitely help Spurs,” but said that the focus is “obviously" on the Black Cats.

He continued, saying the club “need these points” and that, though they have been playing “much better” in recent weeks, they still need to find the “last touch” to turn draws into wins.

Sunderland will host league leaders Leicester City at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, April 10 with kick-off at 1:30pm BST.  

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About the author
Danial  Kennedy
Award-winning sports journalism graduate. Currently studying a PR Masters at the University of Sunderland. Writing for VAVEL since August 2014. Twitter - @ddkjournalism.