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Sunderland supporters know very little about Didier NDong, but the reported fee is quite large so he'll be coming to us with a certain level of expectancy. Just what are Sunderland getting with the Gabon international midfielder?
With Didier Ndong Sunderland are getting a player with great potential - he's a player who will always give one hundred percent on the pitch, though he is often at risk of picking up yellow and red cards, which is his main problem.
What would you say his greatest characteristics are as a footballer?
Didier has a tremendous work-rate. He isn't scared to bomb forward, and has a pretty nice strike of the ball (he should use it more in my opinion). Added to that for his age - he's only 22 - he has already played in tough environments, playing in the AFCON CAF Champions League, CAF Conf Cup and Ligue 1 which are all famous for their tough physical demands.
N'Dong's disciplinary record is a little sketchy - do you feel that this could be a problem for him in England?
That's personally my main fear, yes.
He has only really played one full season for Lorient - are you surprised that Sunderland are placing such tremendous faith in him, and do you think he will go on to be a success on the biggest stage eventually?
To be honest I was surprised by the price - I value him closer to £14m.
For me he can succeed on the biggest stage on two conditions.
If he plays in his natural position like he did in Lorient - as a ball-winner, and the biggest condition - IF he manages to reduce his disciplinary record, because in terms of natural/technical qualities he's tailor made for English football in my opinion.
Lorient spoke publicly about their disdain for the way that Sunderland conducted business upon signing Lamine Kone in January. Are you surprised that the two clubs are working together again on another transfer?
