Gustavo Poyet has described Italy international Emanuele Giaccherini as a ‘totally new player’ at Sunderland this season.
The 29-year-old struggled during periods of his debut season in the English North East for playing time and was linked with a move back to Italy in the summer.
Gustavo Poyet has described Italy international Emanuele Giaccherini as a ‘totally new player’ at Sunderland this season.
The 29-year-old struggled during periods of his debut season in the English North East for playing time and was linked with a move back to Italy in the summer.
However, staying with Sunderland, the player, who was called up to Italy’s first squad under Antonio Conte last week, is seen by his club manager as rejuvenated.
“I see him as a new player, a totally new player,” Poyet has told English media this week, as reported by Sky Sports.
“It was difficult for him to play with us last year for different reasons, not only because of him, me picking the team in a certain way, not finding that position for him in the team regularly.
“He did well for a period in November, December when he was playing wide, but he didn't score and we needed something else, and it didn't work.
“Then he came back in pre-season in an incredible way – he was outstanding, one of the top three players in everything. He was playing well, he was pushing for a start, and he got injured.
“Then he came back sooner than expected. He has played two 90 minutes with Italy, which is very difficult – only 11 players can start for Italy, a great national team, and he is one of them, which is fantastic.
“The idea is to use him and to make sure that if he picks himself, that will be to the benefit of the team. I am very happy with Giaccherini, he looks like a totally new player.”