Sunderland new keeper Costel Pantilimon is set to use this month of training and pre-season games to prove that he should be the one taking up the place between the sticks come the start of the season.
Both the club’s new keeper and last season’s hero Vito Mannone will both feel like they should be the one starting games for Sunderland so there is going to be some stiff competition for the number one spot.
27-year-old Pantilimon came to the Stadium of Light looking for first team football after being unable to dislodge Joe Hart from the number one spot at Manchester City.
The man standing in his way however is the man who was awarded Player of the Season last term and he won’t want to give up his place that easily.
Pantilimon told the Sunderland Echo: ‘At this moment, I think everyone is fighting for their position. There’s a long period until we start the Premier League.
‘It’s normal for everyone to work hard, train hard and after that, we’ll see what happens. I think everyone wants to be in the first XI. We’ll see.
‘Vito is a good guy and a good keeper. I know that. But whatever happens, it’s important that it helps the team.’
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I think this fella is actually better than mannone and we are going to have a solid last line of defence in him this season
He’s a good keeper and a cracking signing, should bring out the very best in himself and Vito
We have two very brilliant keepers in the squad now and they should be pulling out all the stops to get first team football