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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Sunderland boss Jack Ross has spoken about the form and fitness of Will Grigg, and League One defences should very worried indeed.
What’s the story?
When Grigg joined Sunderland last January to replace the departing Josh Maja, you could be forgiven for thinking he would comfortably fire the Black Cats to promotion.
Indeed, the Northern Ireland international got his reputation for being “on fire” from his excellent goalscoring record in the division – he has bagged 100 goals in 278 games in the third tier.
He scored just four league goals for Sunderland though as he struggled with an ankle injury.
Now, Ross has sent out what seems like a warning to the rest of the division – Grigg is fit and raring to go.
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“I think he has looked more settled even in this short pre-season period,” Ross said, as reported by The Chronicle.
“Joining a club mid-season is more challenging than at the beginning of the season.
“He feels more settled on and off the pitch. He has looked stronger and fresher than last season so will hopefully benefit from that as well this season.”
Just how good is he?
You only need to take a look at Grigg’s numbers whenever he has played a full season in League One to see that a healthy, confident version of the 28 year-old is a serious threat.
In the four campaigns he has played more than 2,000 minutes in the division, or about 22 matches, he has bagged 19, 20, 25 and 19 goals respectively, per Transfermarkt.
All the club have to do is keep Grigg fit, create chances for him, and he will score goals. It’s just what he does.
Ross’ comments that the 13-cap Northern Ireland ace looks “stronger and fresher” should mean the ankle problem is behind him, while having a full pre-season under his belt will help both his fitness and chemistry with his teammates.
With wing wizard Aiden McGeady signing a new contract and Grigg seemingly ready to take the league by storm, Ross’ team should not struggle to score goals next season. Your defence should most definitely be terrified.
