‘Nobody knew’ – Nordi Mukiele reveals Sunderland's new secret weapon ahead of Aston Villa clash captures both the growing confidence within Sunderland’s squad and the surprise tactical options now available to Régis Le Bris. The French defender, a summer arrival at the Stadium of Light, has quickly established himself as a leader across the backline, praising goalkeeper Robin Roefs and unveiling his unexpected long-throw speciality.
Roefs, signed from NEC Nijmegen for £11.5 million, has impressed since his arrival in Wearside. A commanding penalty save against Brentford, combined with a series of solid displays, has brought calm to Sunderland’s defensive unit. Mukiele insists the 22-year-old’s confidence is infectious and is giving the defence a platform to build from.
Mukiele on Roefs: “He showed it again”
Speaking after the 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace, Mukiele highlighted the growing influence of his new goalkeeper:
“Yeah, for my position, a clean sheet is very good for the confidence, and also for the goalkeeper, because today Robin did a great game again, and I’m very happy for him to get a clean sheet. The goalkeeper is really chill, but also confident. You know, when you have a goalkeeper like this, you just want to defend with all your body. He’s a very good goalkeeper, and when you have him behind you, you just want to do everything.” — Nordi Mukiele
Mukiele’s words reflect the trust already built between defenders and goalkeeper. With Sunderland returning to the Premier League, stability at the back has been vital in helping them claim seven points from their opening four games.
The secret weapon: Mukiele’s long throws
Beyond his defensive duties, Mukiele revealed that he has developed a new skill that could give Sunderland another attacking outlet — long throws into the box.
“You know, it’s also another weapon for me to help the team with these kinds of things, not only to defend. Nobody knew it, so now they know, but I think I do it well, and I just hope that one day we’re going to score with this. In training, I did only one, and they saw it, and after we just said that we can do it, even if I play centre-back. It’s just something that I hope is going to help the team.” — Nordi Mukiele
The 27-year-old admitted he had previously used the throw-in tactic as a right-back but is now adapting it to his central role. For a Sunderland side still finding their rhythm in the final third, this unexpected weapon could add a different dynamic against deep defences like Aston Villa’s.
A versatile role for Mukiele
Mukiele has already shown his flexibility under Le Bris, featuring both at right-back and centre-back in recent weeks. His willingness to slot in across the defensive line has been crucial as Sunderland integrate their summer recruits.
“If I have to play centre-back, I will play centre-back. If I have to play right back or left back, I will also do my job. I’m just happy to be on the pitch, and just ready to give everything for this team, for this jersey, and I just hope to keep going like this.” — Nordi Mukiele
Analyst verdict – by John William
Mukiele’s comments highlight Sunderland’s growing sense of identity. Roefs’ calm authority and Mukiele’s leadership are laying the foundations for Le Bris’ system, while the long-throw option could become a valuable tactical edge. In the Premier League, where set-pieces and fine margins often decide tight games, this hidden skill could prove decisive.
Against Aston Villa, Sunderland’s defensive solidity will be tested by the likes of Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey, but the Black Cats’ ability to spring surprises — whether through Roefs’ saves or Mukiele’s throw-ins — could be the difference between survival and struggle this season.
Key insights
- Robin Roefs has impressed with commanding displays and a key penalty save.
- Mukiele revealed his long-throw ability as a new tactical weapon.
- The French defender has been praised for versatility across the backline.
- Sunderland have taken seven points from four games on their Premier League return.
- Villa at home represents a stern test of their defensive organisation.
What’s next for Sunderland?
Sunderland face Aston Villa next, aiming to extend their encouraging start to life back in the Premier League. With Roefs anchoring the backline and Mukiele emerging as a reliable figure across defence, Le Bris’ side are building momentum.
The question now is whether Mukiele’s long-throw weapon will be unleashed in a competitive match. If Sunderland can blend defensive solidity with such inventive tools, their chances of establishing themselves in the top flight will only improve.
👉 Can Mukiele’s surprise long-throw ability become Sunderland’s new Premier League weapon?
1 Comment (last comment by JamesLove)
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By JamesLove 15 Sep 2025 08:22
As an Ajax fan we should have got him. He was outstanding last season for NEC.. congrats Sunderland, you’ve really got a gem here. If he continues like this he will even start for the Dutch team
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