Danny Collins is of the view that Sunderland forward Nazariy Rusyn will want his team-mates to supply him with a little bit more of the ball in the opposition box for him to attack.
Sunderland signed the Ukrainian centre forward in the summer to beef up their attacking options following the exit of Ross Stewart.
However, despite failing to address the Black Cats’ problems in front of opposition goal, Rusyn has earned praise for his work rate from former players.
Collins pointed out that Rusyn looks confident when he picks up the ball while running through the channels and added that the forward can be a nuisance for tall defenders as well.
However, Collins also pointed out that Rusyn needs his Sunderland team-mates to put more balls in the opposition box to attack.
“We have mentioned it there, his work rate alone, putting pressure on centre-backs and whoever he comes up against”, Collins told Sunderland’s media.
“Coming up against lads who are a lot bigger, he is not the biggest in terms of his physique, but he puts himself about.
“It looks like he can shift as well a couple of times there; he is confident when he is picking up the ball and getting down the channels.
“The only thing from his point of view that he will want a little bit more of is obviously a little bit more ball in the box.
“So It is all well and good, working hard for the team, running the channels and coming deeper at times, but he wants those balls in behind, perhaps a little bit more if we are being a little picky.”
Rusyn has yet to establish himself in Michael Beale’s starting line-up and he will be eyeing consecutive league starts when Sunderland take on Huddersfield Town on Wednesday.
