Sunderland youngster Jules Ahoka enjoyed just his second appearance for the Black Cats in the 2-1 Europa League win over SCU Torreense, in yet another exciting display from the midfield prospect.
Sunderland signed Ahoka in the summer window from Royal Antwerp in an £8.6m deal, which was a clear show of future faith from the Stadium of Light recruitment team, given the 20-year-old had only played a handful of senior games until that point.
Regis Le Bris awarded the Congolese youth international his debut in the Carabao Cup last month, seeing Ahoka shine against Hull City with an assured display in the heart of Sunderland’s midfield, with his performance breeding excitement among the Stadium of Light faithful as to the calibre of player he could become.
In just his second Sunderland appearance, Ahoka was once again outstanding, this time in the Europa League comeback against Torreense in which he netted the equaliser with a deft header.
However, when analysing his performance further, his goal was just the tip of the iceberg in another exciting performance, with the midfielder proving he is more than just a one-for-the-future. He is one for the here and now at Sunderland.
Jules Ahoka Shines Once Again For Sunderland
Against Torreense, Ahoka started in central midfield alongside Chris Rigg and his Congo compatriot Noah Sadiki, who netted the emphatic injury-time winner for Sunderland, and instantly looked assured in possession whilst also looking to progress the play with nine passes into the final third.
Whilst operating in more of an advanced role, Ahoka still proved crucial defensively for Sunderland, making four defensive contributions and five recoveries.
However, he showed another element to his game that was more reserved in his debut against Hull, with Ahoka showcasing his ability as a number eight with some impressive runs into the Torreense box that eventually saw him head home the equaliser.
After some excellent approach work from substitute full-back Nordi Mukiele, the athletically gifted Ahoka kept above the Torreense defenders to divert his header into the bottom corner and set Sunderland on course for their comeback with his first senior career goal.
Aside from the tangibles and moments Ahoka produced, it also the eye test in which he impresses so much, with the young midfielder always utilising his body well to open up to receive the ball, and his awareness making it seem as though he has more time in possession than others on the field.
Sunderland signed Ahoka this summer with a view to him being the understudy and back-up to captain Granit Xhaka, but the Congolese starlet’s first two performances in Black Cats colours have proven he offers far more than rotation.
Regis Le Bris Praises Jules Ahoka's Outing Vs Torreense
Clearly, Ahoka is not just an exciting prospect for the future, but the 20-year-old has shown within his two standout displays that he can make a monumental impact in Le Bris’ midfield ranks this season, showcasing himself well defensively and in the final third.
Following his display in the Torreense win, Sunderland social media circles were awash with excitement as to how exhilarating Ahoka’s potential is.
More importantly, Black Cats boss Le Bris was also full of praise for the midfield talent, and admitted that Ahoka has proven that he has the potential to “step up to the team” in the next stages of the season.
As quoted by the Sunderland Echo, Le Bris said of Ahoka: "He's really young, and this game shows how much potential he has.
“He has the ability to be well connected with the squad, the ability to understand tactical concepts and to connect with his team mates.
“And he has this physicality, this impact in the box. Really huge potential.
“He has played against Hull, and in the training sessions with us and the game here he is showing it is possible for him to step up to the team with us. It's true."-
In the words of Le Bris, Ahoka clearly has “huge potential”, and the Black Cats faithful will be desperate to see how the midfield starlet performs whenever the Sunderland boss grants him his Premier League debut.
If he continues his performances akin to his displays against Hull and Torreense further in cup competitions, it will only be a matter of time before Le Bris thrusts the Congolese youngster into top flight action in the coming weeks, and that will have been a justly earned show of faith in the extremely talented 20-year-old.
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