Robbie Stockdale reserved special praise for Joel Asoro following Sunderland’s pre-season tour of France.
The 17-year-old burst onto the scene during the club’s 3-2 win over Dijon FCO, opening the scoring in style before turning provider for Wahbi Khazri who restored the Black Cats’ advantage.
A standing ovation followed for the youngster who also featured against Montpellier, and when reflecting on the trip Stockdale revealed both and manager David Moyes have been impressed.
“He’s bouncy and defenders bounce off him. He’s a very positive player.
“If for whatever reason you get an opportunity you have to take it – that’s football – and the manager has been really pleased with him, but it’s not just about being in the right place at the right time and you have to be good enough to take it.”
He added: “I think he’s shown he is good enough at this moment by taking that chance.”
And the first-team coach also provided a glimpse into life under the new manager.
“I’ve been very fortunate to work under some exceptional managers and coaches whether it be in the academy of the first team,” continued Stockdale. “The new manager is certainly one of those and he’s somebody I will be sticking to very closely and learning from a lot more.
“The fact we were over in France and living in each other’s pockets has been good, and there’s no escape so you learn what he wants, his methods and what he expects.”
