DeAndre Yedlin has hailed the leadership qualities of Lee Cattermole ahead of Sunderland’s trip to Stoke City.
The dynamic midfielder has provided an able deputy to John O’Shea with the club captain currently out of the side, with his grit and determination providing the perfect balance alongside Yann M’Vila and Jan Kirchhoff.
Currently playing in an advanced role, Cattermole has adjusted his game and been an influential figure as the Black Cats moved out of the bottom three thanks to big performances against Norwich City and Arsenal.
And USA international Yedlin explained how captain Catts gives everyone a boost.
“He’s a natural-born leader. He gets everybody going and if you’re out of the game a little bit and you hear Lee yelling at you then you’re right back in it.
“He’s the one that’s always going to bring the fight and when you see one guy fighting like that it makes you want to do the same, so he’s a great guy to have in the field.”
He continued: “It’s also great playing next to Lamine, who is obviously a beast, and Younes is a like a captain back there – directing everybody – and Patrick is always getting forward and back.
“We’ve found that confidence we need and we’ve put together a good string of games.”
