AliousSummer signing Milan Aleksic’s long-awaited Sunderland debut came in a 1-1 draw with Millwall, replacing goalscorer Aaron Connolly for the final 32 minutes. While the 19-year-old Serbian showed promise with good movement and an 80% passing accuracy, he’ll be disappointed to have missed a golden opportunity to seal victory for his side.
The timing of Aleksic’s debut raises questions about manager Regis Le Bris’s approach. The boss has insisted he was waiting for the right moment to introduce the youngster, but his rustiness was evident after spending the season on the sidelines. Perhaps earlier, gradual exposure to first-team football could have better prepared him for such crucial moments.
Despite the missed chance, Aleksic’s cameo showed glimpses of his potential. His lively performance, covering significant ground and linking play effectively, suggests he could become a valuable option for Le Bris – both as an impact substitute and potential challenger to Wilson Isidor’s starting spot. While his debut wasn’t the dream start he hoped for, the experience should serve as a valuable stepping stone in his development.
As Le Bris continues emphasizing the need for improved finishing and game management from his squad, getting Aleksic up to full match sharpness could prove crucial in addressing these concerns. The young forward’s integration will be key as Sunderland pursues their promotion ambitions.
Alious
