Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has heaped praise on Lee Cattermole and has claimed that he is the perfect defensive midfielder following the 0-0 draw with Chelsea.
The combative Cattermole played a big role in helping the Black Cats earn a point and a clean sheet against the free-scoring Blues at the Stadium of Light this evening.
Poyet's side became just the third team to take points off high-flying Chelsea this season, and the Uruguayan hailed the 26-year-old for his part in the result.
"Lee doesn't get the recognition nationally that he deserves. When I arrived he was a typical central midfielder who played with freedom," he told BBC Sport.
"But he needed to know when there was danger, when he could press, when he had to stay close to defenders. He's enjoying his role.
"For the way we play, that role is important, and he plays that role to perfection. He's the player that has improved the most with me at Sunderland."
Poyet's side, who sit 13th in the Premier League table, host champions Manchester City on Wednesday night.
Shane Callaghan
