Sunderland’s Adnan Januzaj has made a good start to life at the club.
Sunderland's Adnan Januzaj in action
New Sunderland signing Adnan Januzaj is among the Premier League’s leading attacking players for most successful take-ons as he looks to play a star role for David Moyes’ side.
The Belgium international joined up with his former boss Moyes on a season-long loan after being told by Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho to go out and find regular first-team action.
Januzaj boasts an abundance of ability and Sunderland fans will have known of his capabilites well having seen him score twice on his first full United start at the Stadium of Light three years ago.
Sunderland's Adnan Januzaj scores their first goal
Despite seeing his career come to a standstill since that moment, Januzaj still has a lot to offer and in his early showing for Sunderland he is proving to be one of the club’s brightest sparks.
| Team | Take-ons | Appearances | Mins Played | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eden Hazard | Chelsea | 17 | 3 | 256 |
| Giannelli Imbula | Stoke | 13 | 3 | 240 |
| Adnan Januzaj | Sunderland | 13 | 3 | 206 |
| Wilfried Zaha | C. Palace | 12 | 3 | 204 |
| Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain | Arsenal | 11 | 3 | 179 |
As shown by the table provided by Opta, the 21-year-old is among the Premier League’s leading attacking players in terms of successful take-ons with 13 posted in his three outings this far.
Sunderland haven’t made the best starts to the league season, losing 2-1 to both Manchester City and Middlesbrough before conceding late in the latest 1-1 draw at Southampton.
Sunderland's Adnan Januzaj celebrates scoring their first goal
The Black Cats are expected to be in another relegation fight this season, and players such as Jermain Defoe and Januzaj will be looked at as the most likely to help the club steer clear of the drop zone.
Eden Hazard’s blistering start to the season sees him top the dribbling charts with an impressive 17, yet considering Sunderland’s slow start, Januzaj’s early record deserves plenty of recognition.
Sunderland's Adnan Januzaj in action with Middlesbrough's George Friend