AliousMarco Gabbiadini, a former Sunderland striker, has offered a candid take on one current Black Cats player, suggesting that the defender’s form has dipped since returning from injury.
With the international break in full swing, Sunderland have nine players away representing their countries.
Among them, Jobe Bellingham has earned a spot with England’s U21s, while Chris Rigg continues to impress with the U19s.
A third player, Dennis Cirkin, was initially named in the England U21 squad for his first call-up, but the full-back had to withdraw due to a fresh injury setback, adding to an already challenging season fitness-wise.
Gabbiadini, reflecting on Cirkin’s struggles, didn’t hold back in his assessment of the young defender’s recent performances.
Speaking to Total Sport, he acknowledged Cirkin’s talent but pointed out a noticeable decline since an earlier injury. “Dennis Cirkin hasn’t quite been himself since coming back from that wrist injury in November,” Gabbiadini remarked.
“For whatever reason, he’s not looked like the same player we know he can be. I’ve heard plenty of fans saying the same thing—he just hasn’t been at 100% since his return.”
Cirkin’s latest issue—a hamstring problem—forced him to step back from international duty, compounding a season already interrupted by that broken wrist.
While he may not have been at his peak even before this break, his absence remains a significant blow for Sunderland.
Fortunately, manager Regis Le Bris has a reliable deputy in Leo Hjelde.
The Norwegian has already seen minutes under Le Bris, proving himself a capable stand-in at left-back.
His presence softens the impact of Cirkin’s absence, sparing Sunderland from having to shuffle Luke O’Nien into the role—a move that could have exposed vulnerabilities elsewhere in the backline.
With Hjelde stepping up, Le Bris can breathe a little easier, though depth beyond him remains a lingering worry.
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