‘Be better…’: Dodds explains why he snubbed the ‘young talent’ from Sunderland squad v Bristol City

Mike Dodds has provided insight into Abdoullah Ba’s absence from Sunderland’s squad against Bristol City, emphasizing the importance of competition for places within the team.

Ba, who has been a consistent presence in Sunderland’s squad this season with 21 starts and several appearances from the bench, was notably omitted from the match-day squad for the first time.

Dodds justified this decision by stating the need for competition among players and the expectation for Ba to respond positively and strive to outperform his teammates vying for similar positions.

He explained, “We want competition for places…It’s a huge positive that he’s been left out of the squad and will have to react and be better than the other players who are in his way at the moment.”

Dodds further elaborated on the decision-making process regarding squad selection, highlighting the unpredictability of substitutions and the need to assess various factors when determining the bench lineup.

While Ba’s omission may spark debate among fans, Dodds’ decision reflects a desire to maintain high standards and push players to perform at their best.

Despite Ba’s occasional positive performances earlier in the season, his impact has been inconsistent, prompting questions about his effectiveness in the squad. However, some fans argue that Ba has shown more energy and potential compared to other options.

Ultimately, Sunderland’s ongoing struggle to establish a consistent starting lineup underscores the challenges facing the team, especially in the final third. The debate over Ba’s inclusion highlights the uncertainty surrounding the team’s best lineup as they approach the end of the season.