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Matthew Crichton: According to the data, Leon Dajaku can play as a number ten, on either wing, or upfront - what would you say is his best position?
Phillip Quinn: Dajaku’s speed and skill with the ball at his feet makes him a better candidate for the wings. His work in front of goal needs work as he’s pretty raw still in this department to the point where Bayern were considering (at least the press was reporting it) seeing how he could perform as a right back/wing back.
MC: Sunderland have been crying out for pace across the pitch, is Dajaku someone who can provide that?
PQ: He has a quick first step and adds speed to match. He should be a bundle of energy on the flanks.
MC: Overall, what would you say are his best attributes as a player?
PQ: Dajaku’s speed and his willingness to always take players on will be on full display when he gets on the field.
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MC: The player has played most of his football within the German third division, how do you think that will compare with the English third tier?
PQ: I think the English third division is going to be a step up in quality for him from the German third division, but it shouldn’t be too big of a step. Dajaku isn’t a finished product yet, and I think a full season at this level will be good for him.
MC: Dajaku only featured twice for Union Berlin last season, why did he feature so little during his loan spell?
PQ: He had terrible luck! Dajaku missed 8 games due to a foot injury, and then he contracted COVID and missed three more games. Then, he basically missed the entire month of August due to an emergency appendectomy.
MC: Having featured for Germany’s youth squad up to under-19 level, Dajaku is currently on standby for the under-20 side. Is he seen as someone with good potential in Germany?
PQ: Dajaku is definitely considered a player with good potential. Bayern had high hopes that he could find a way to break into the first team, and while that didn’t happen, being “Bayern quality” isn’t necessarily an easy thing to accomplish for a young player.
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MC: Before the loan was completed, Bayern allowed the 20-year-old to complete a permanent move to Union Berlin. Were you disappointed by that or do you think that was the best decision for the player?
PQ: I think it was the best decision for Dajaku’s future. There are times where you want Bayern to hold on to young players that still have that potential, but there are times where you just know that it’s better for both sides to move on.
Dajaku has been clear that he wants to find a club where he can play regularly and not be stuck with Bayern II in the fourth or third division, and Bayern were willing to help accommodate him.
MC: Were you surprised to see him move to England rather than joining another German team?
PQ: Young German players are leaving the country for what they see as better opportunities more often these days. I say more power to them. If the German teams want to keep their young players, they’re going to have to work for it.
MC: Lastly, do you think Leon Dajaku will be a success at Sunderland this season?
PQ: Hopefully! He’s got the talent potential to really make an impact, and he’ll hopefully take his opportunities to help Sunderland this year.
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