Sunderland

Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat: 'Jack Rodwell has to live up to potential'

By Simon Sinclair, Reporter | 11 July 2015

Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat urges Jack Rodwell to seize the initiative in his second season at the club after an underwhelming first campaign with the Black Cats.

Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat has called on Jack Rodwell to live up to his potential in his second season at the club.

The 24-year-old moved to the Black Cats for a £10m fee last year from Manchester City, but was blighted by injuries in his first campaign on Wearside.

However, Advocaat believes that Rodwell is more than capable of becoming a standout player for his side and has urged the midfielder to rediscover his best form next season.

"I've had a lot of words with Jack because he is such a talented player," Advocaat told reporters.

"He has not shown that for me, and he knows that. It has not all been down to him, because it has also been because of his physical state. It has to be better.

"As I see him training now, he looks positive. Jack's former teammate at Everton Ross Barkley, now he's the type I like. Rodwell was like that, he got a move to Manchester City and it didn't really work out for him, so he has to do well for this club now."

Rodwell made 26 appearances for Sunderland last season, scoring three goals.