Sunderland winger Nilson Angulo continued his impressive start to the season with his stellar performance at Brentford.
Sunderland winger Nilson Angulo has made an impressive start to his first full season with the Black Cats, which continued with his exciting and important display in the draw at Brentford on Saturday afternoon.
In the January window of last season, Sunderland signed left-winger Angulo from Anderlecht in a £17.5m capture, but the young Ecuadorian talent failed to notch a goal contribution in his maiden half campaign on Wearside.
However, after netting for his nation in the World Cup against Germany, 23-year-old Angulo's development seems to have improved, with the winger looking much-improved at the start of the season for Sunderland.
In the Sunderland's 2-1 defeat at Ipswich Town on opening weekend, Angulo netted a stunning free-kick to equalise for Regis Le Bris' side, which rightfully saw his first Black Cats strike nominmated for goal of the month.
Following that, Angulo was also impressive in Sunderland's 1-0 home win over Fulham, completing the most dribbles (three) of any player on the field before Le Bris withdrew him at the 65-minute mark in favor of Habib Diarra, who set up the assist for Wilson Isidor's winner.
In Sunderland's 1-1 draw at Brentford last time out, Angulo enjoyed arguably his best performance in a Sunderland shirt since arriving at the start of the year, and played a crucial tactical role in nullifying the Bees' attacking dominance.
Sunderland winger Nilson Angulo controls the ball against Brentford (REUTERS)Sunderland Star Nilson Angulo Shines Against Brentford
At the Gtech Community Stadium, Angulo was in fine form on the left wing to help Sunderland earn a crucial point, courtesy of Enzo Le Fee's late equalising penalty, which chalked out Vitaly Janelt's opener.
His positivity in attack, despite an overhit forward pass to Brian Brobbey, helped fashion the chance which saw Le Fee rattle Caoimhin Kelleher's post in the first half, with the Ecuadorian going on to slip in Noah Sadiki to tee up Thomas Meunier, only for his shot to be blocked on the Brentford line as Sunderland search for the opener.
Angulo also showcased his technical ability with some stunning touches, which highlighted that he appears to have found a new level of confidence in a Sunderland shirt following his stellar start to the season, and this will only help the winger to continue improving his game producing his best.
Angulo's pace proved to be a constant thorn in Brentford's side, stretching the play and the opposition's backline, and his work ethic out of possession was also imperative for Sunderland in a bold tactical decision by Le Bris.
Within the Brentford clash, Le Bris instructed Angulo to help pin maruading full-back Michael Kayode back and thwart his runs down the right flank, which saw Bees boss Keith Andrews replace him for Aaron Hickey at half-time who went on to trouble the winger more defensively.
As a result, Angulo made five defensive contributions throughout the game, winning five out of seven ground duels and enjoying eight touches in the Brentford box during his 64-minute performance.
Clearly, Angulo is a very talented winger, but one who has yet to showcase his true prowess and potential since arriving at Sunderland in the Premier League, and possibly the £30.8m addition of Malick Fofana has given him the impetus to finally come out of his attacking shell.
Given his impressive performance at Brentford, the Black Cats faithful will be hoping this performance is a sign of things to come from the Ecuadorian this season.
