Sunderland should already have major Ian Poveda doubt: View | OneFootball

Ian Poveda became Sunderland's third summer signing and fourth right-winger. With such competition, it is hard to see when his opportunity will arise.

Colombian international, Ian Poveda, recently joined Sunderland on a free transfer, following his release from Championship rivals, Leeds United.

The 24-year-old became Regis Le Bris' third summer signing, following the arrivals of Alan Browne and Simon Moore, who were also available on free transfers.

Despite his young years, Poveda is already becoming a bit of a journeyman. Having signed for Sunderland, they have become the Colombian's sixth club in as many seasons.

Sometimes it can take a player a while to find their true home; just ask Patrick Roberts. However, if Poveda's career to date is anything to go by, then he has underperformed, so can Sunderland provide the spark to ignite his plateauing career?

At 24 years of age, Poveda is entering his peak years as a footballer. However, he is yet to show the world that he is capable of performing to his full potential. With two international caps under his belt for Colombia, it is time for Poveda to showcase his talent.

The winger's career trajectory is not dissimilar to that of teammate, Patrick Roberts, but his numbers are far less impressive. Having started his career at Manchester City (having bounced around the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona in his youth career), he was unable to break into the first team and subsequently had to find his way at a host of other clubs.

At Leeds, Poveda was given a second shot at the Premier League but was unable to make an impact; the winger made 14 appearances but did not contribute any goals or assists and was mostly limited to substitute appearances.

Having failed to prove himself on the biggest stage, the Colombian was sent on a series of loans to Championship trio Blackburn, Blackpool and Sheffield Wednesday. While Poveda made a respectable number of appearances for all three sides, it was not enough to convince the Leeds hierarchy and the player was released.

If he could not cut it at Leeds, then it begs the question: can the 24-year-old cut it at Sunderland? Fans will be hoping that, like Roberts, Poveda needs a home where he can flourish, but it is difficult to see how he fits in to Le Bris' side.

Hard to see where Poveda fits in

Sunderland currently have a surplus of right-wingers, which makes it difficult to see how Poveda will get into the current side. Other than Poveda, the club currently have Patrick Roberts, Romaine Mundle and Abdoullah Ba to choose from.

Roberts is by far the club's most experienced winger and is likely to be Le Bris' preferred choice at right-wing. Like Poveda, Roberts was on Manchester City's books as a youngster but could not work his way into the first team. Following a wealth of loan moves, Roberts struggled to find a home until Sunderland came knocking.

Although Roberts impressed in Sunderland's first season back in the Championship, he could not replicate his form last season and suffered significant injury problems, which disrupted his flow. The winger will have a point to prove this season, but will have a number of players itching for his place.

One of the Wearsiders' top performers in pre-season was Mundle. The 21-year-old put in some impressive performances in front of Le Bris, scoring a goal against Bradford City in the process. One would argue that Mundle is deserving of a spell in the starting eleven, ahead Poveda.

Another option for the Black Cats is Ba, who has improved season by season. Although not the most consistent performer, the Frenchman has shown flashes of his ability and has improved his output for the team.

While the competition for places is healthy, it feels unnecessary for Sunderland to have four players vying for one position. Surely, there are other areas of the pitch that should have been prioritised by Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and co.

Unless Sunderland are willing to part ways with any of their right-wingers, then it is hard to see how Poveda will walk into this team regularly. After Roberts, Mundle has surely proven himself as more deserving of an opportunity.

Inevitably, the time will come when Poveda will get his chance to impress at the Stadium of Light, but if he does not take it, then another move could be on the horizon - as ridiculous as that is to say about a new signing on a long-term contract.