Jules Ahoka stakes claim for Sunderland starting spot as Regis Le Bris hails his potential

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris believes Jules Ahoka has demonstrated he is ready for a more prominent role in the first team after an impressive display in their 2-1 Europa League victory over Torreense.

The 20-year-old midfielder scored his first goal for the Black Cats as they maintained their perfect start to their European campaign in Leiria, Portugal, offering further evidence of his potential following his summer arrival from Royal Antwerp.

Ahoka, who joined Sunderland in an £8.6 million deal, was initially viewed as a long-term prospect. However, his performances against Hull City in the Carabao Cup last month and Torreense on Thursday have strengthened his case for more opportunities under Le Bris.

The DR Congo Under-20 international was instrumental in Sunderland’s response after they fell behind in the first half, converting Nordi Mukiele’s cross to restore parity before the Black Cats completed the comeback.

His attacking threat extended beyond the goal, with another effort requiring a save and his forward runs into the penalty area causing Torreense persistent problems.

Le Bris was pleased with the midfielder’s contribution and believes his qualities could allow him to compete more regularly at senior level.

“I was absolutely pleased with him [Ahoka],” the Sunderland manager said.

“He’s really young, but this game showed how much potential he has.”

Le Bris impressed by Ahoka’s all-round qualities

Beyond his goalscoring contribution, Ahoka impressed his manager with his tactical awareness, physical presence and ability to integrate into Sunderland’s team.

Le Bris believes the youngster has the technical and physical attributes required to adapt to the demands of the first team, while his understanding of the team’s tactical approach has also stood out.

“He has the ability to be well connected with the squad, the ability to understand tactical concepts and to connect with his team-mates. And then he has this physicality, this impact in the box. He has really huge potential,” he added.

Ahoka’s latest performance follows an encouraging debut against Hull City in the Carabao Cup, where he also offered a glimpse of the qualities that convinced Sunderland to invest in him.

The midfielder has since continued to work with the senior squad in training, giving Le Bris further opportunities to assess his readiness for a more consistent role.

The Sunderland manager believes those experiences have demonstrated that Ahoka can make the step up.

“He has played against Hull,” Le Bris said.

“And then in the training sessions with us and the game here [against Torreense], he is showing it is possible for him to step up to the team with us. That’s true.”

Sunderland midfield competition intensifies

Ahoka’s emergence presents Le Bris with another option in an already competitive midfield.

Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki and Enzo Le Fee have established themselves as key figures in Sunderland’s preferred midfield combination this season, while Habib Diarra’s return to full fitness has increased the competition for places.

Chris Rigg has also continued to demonstrate his qualities, further underlining the depth available to the Sunderland manager.

Ahoka’s performance against Torreense gives Le Bris another player to consider as Sunderland balance their domestic commitments with their European campaign.

A starting place against Bournemouth in Sunday’s Premier League fixture appears unlikely, but the midfielder could be in contention for further involvement when Sunderland travel to Poland to face Lech Poznan next Thursday.