Reinildo Mandava: Sunderland’s Unsung Summer Gem

With the celebrations of the derby win still keeping us warm and fulfilled as the dismal weather continues and the shortest day of the year draws near, the name of Granit Xhaka is still dominating discussions. Finally, some of the “expert” pundits have begun to recognise what we Sunderland fans have known for several months – our captain is the Premier League signing of the season.

He has set standards, demonstrated leadership, provided experience, and driven performances, all while covering more ground than any other player in the league – despite the fact that his legs are apparently gone!

Naturally, the well-deserved plaudits he has received have kept the focus on the Swiss international as Sunderland have defied the expectations of a modern newly promoted Premier League side.

But the summer recruitment drive has provided a plethora of players who have all contributed massively to the results that have been achieved thus far. Robin Roefs, Nordi Mukiele, Omar Alderete, Noah Sadiki, Chemsdine Talbi, and Brian Brobbey have all played significant roles in the performances to date but, for me, there is one player who stands out as “the second-best signing of the season”.

As much as much of the fanbase are still marvelling at the fact that KLD managed to convince Granit Xhaka to join a newly promoted side, I am still astonished that Reinildo Mandava is wearing the red and white of Sunderland after more than three distinguished years wearing the red and white of Atlético Madrid under the demanding Diego Simeone.

His pedigree as a Champions League regular has been obvious, and he has brought much-needed experience to a position which had the potential to be a problem for Régis Le Bris. Dennis Cirkin clearly has the ability to make the grade at this level, as does Aji Alese, but both have injury records that are concerning.

Instead, we have been treated to the sight of Reinildo demonstrating his electrifying pace, whether shutting down his side of the defence or rampaging down the wing in support of the likes of Le Fée and Talbi. Yes, he blotted his copybook with a foolish reaction to being fouled by Aston Villa’s Matty Cash, but he has come back impeccably. On Sunday, Anthony Elanga might as well have gone to the pub and played the one-armed bandit – he would have got more change out of that than he did out of Reinildo!

Reinildo’s partnership with Omar Alderete has secured the left-hand side of Sunderland’s defence and given the Paraguayan confidence to step forward when the opportunity arises and display his willingness to both carry the ball forward and to showcase his impressive passing technique. Reinildo provides overlaps and underlaps that create space for Chemsdine Talbi to exploit. On Sunday it was noticeable that Sadiki was pushing forward, finding more advanced positions on the left wing, carrying the ball, and getting to the byline.

And, just as Xhaka has, the Mozambique international has bought into the infectious enthusiasm that exists in Sunderland v.2025 – he channelled his inner Muhammad Ali as he bobbed and weaved with the Sky camera on the pitch after the final whistle.

Noah Sadiki will be a bigger miss during AFCON – but only because there is no obvious replacement in the squad for the energy and work-rate that he offers. There are more defensive options to cover Reinildo’s absence, but none of them will bring to the table the complete suite of left-back skills that he has.

When I was writing this, it was a toss-up between Reinildo and Mukiele. The deciding factor for me was the influence that Reinildo has on the performances of other players – his presence and athleticism gives Alderete, Talbi, Sadiki, and Le Fée licence to forage forward and showcase their talents, secure in the knowledge that Reinildo has the pace to cover any counter-attack down that flank.

Granit Xhaka is undoubtedly the signing of the season. For me, Reinildo sits comfortably in second place behind him.