Le Bris hails Alderete as Sunderland advance in EFL Cup
Sunderland beat Brentford 3-2 to reach the quarterfinals, with Omar Alderete recording nine defensive contributions in 60 minutes.
Omar Alderete earned praise from Sunderland coach Regis Le Bris after helping the club reach the EFL Cup quarterfinals with a 3-2 win against Brentford. The 29-year-old Paraguay international recorded nine defensive contributions before his substitution at the 60-minute mark.
Le Bris linked the defender's display to the demands of Sunderland's tactics. He said pressing high encouraged opponents to send the ball long, making strength, consistency and the ability to handle one-on-one situations essential qualities for his center-backs.
With Sunderland making 11 changes to their starting lineup, Alderete partnered Austria's Kevin Danso in central defense. Chemsdine Talbi, Timur Tuterov and Malick Fofana provided the home side's goals before halftime at the Stadium of Light.
The cup result contrasted with Sunderland's league record: one victory in eight Premier League matches has left them bottom. Alderete has started only once in the league this season. Sunderland next visit Coventry City and could move off the bottom, having kept a clean sheet at Leeds United in their previous league match.
