CONSIDERING his pedigree, it's been something of a frustrating first season at Sunderland for Adil Aouchiche.
Having been nominated in 2020 for the Golden Boy award, last year won by Jude Bellingham, and having become PSG's second youngest goalscorer after bursting through the ranks in the French capital, there was understandable excitement when Aouchiche joined Sunderland back in September.
But the Black Cats are yet to see the best of the versatile forward, who has only started nine Championship games and managed just two goals and two assists this term.
It is, however, perhaps unfair to judge a player who doesn't turn 22 until July and has had to deal with managerial upheaval in his first season on Wearside too harshly.
The hope will be that Aouchiche has benefited from his experiences on and off the pitch and will kick on next term.
One intriguing challenge for the incoming new head coach is how to get the best out of the Frenchman. To do that, the forward would maybe benefit from playing in a settled position.
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Aouchiche has played No.10 this season, out wide and was used as a false nine in the weekend defeat to Watford.
Interim boss Mike Dodds was pleased with Aouchiche's display up-front, but believes it's No.10 where the attacker is most comfortable and at his best.
"When I took over the team I said to him that we would play a certain way," said Dodds.
"If I played with a 10, he would be one of the first players for that position. He played that hybrid role (at Watford) and I thought he played really well."
In his handover to the new boss, Dodds will speak highly of Aouchiche, who he believes is supremely talented. But he's also identified what the forward needs to do to take his game to the next level.
"He's a good lad, a really good lad," said Dodds.
"I forget he's only 21 at times. Sometimes I need to check myself a little bit and I treat him with the fact I feel he's a little bit older in terms of maturity. He's a good footballer and has lovely technique. I do feel he has to be more consistent with his in-possession play at times.
"He does some things that are really nice and catch the eye. But on the flip side of that, I think he does some immature things at times. I do think there needs to be a maturity aspect to his game but he's a good player."
Dodds and Aouchiche exchanged words at the weekend after the forward reacted angrily to being substituted midway through the second half.
"I was a little disappointed with his reaction and he was disappointed that he came off," said Dodds.
"We've spoken about it but I can't criticise his performance and his work ethic.
"I genuinely thought he had a really good game. He linked the midfield really well and threatened in behind."
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