Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Sunderland: Football data consultant questions Will Grigg’s future
The founder of football data consultants MRKT have questioned the future of Will Grigg at Sunderland, claiming that he does not fit Phil Parkinson’s system.
After moving to the Stadium of Light in January 2019, the striker has had the spotlight firmly on him, seeing his move from Wigan Athletic much documented via Netflix series Sunderland Til I Die.
Featuring regularly for the Black Cats through the 2019/2020 season, the 29-year-old has failed to find consistent form, with just one goal and one assist to his name last term.
Reports claimed earlier this summer that Sunderland were willing to listen to offers for Grigg, who is valued at £1.08m by Transfermarkt.
With Sunderland now preparing for the 2020/21 season, Ram Srinivas, who is the co-founder of MRKT Insights, spoke to Roker Report about Grigg’s future at the club.
“It’s difficult for me to say how exactly to get the best out of Will Grigg, given he doesn’t particularly suit Parkinson’s system. Ideally he’d be loaned somewhere for six months to recoup value and/or confidence when he scores goals, because he will, somewhere.
“Gooch, O’Nien, Hume, Maguire and Wright is a good enough core to build the squad around with the likes of Embleton, Kimpioka (if he re-signs) and Diamond looking to prove themselves – hopefully they will have the opportunities to.”
Sunderland’s League One rivals Shrewsbury Town are said to have pulled out with their reported interest in Grigg over the last few days.
Grigg is best off leaving Sunderland now and it is best for the club to end the relationship. A lack of goals and minimal impact makes his involvement next season seem rather unlikely.
Selling him could prove difficult, however, especially with the salary cap being introduced in the English Football League, which may preclude many clubs at that level from being able to afford his wages.
Do you think Will Grigg can improve next season, Sunderland fans? Let us know your views in the comments section below…
