Another quality international footballer has joined Sunderland. Cristian Riveros, a 27-year-old Paraguay international, has played for his country 45 times and will be part of the South American side at the World Cup in South Africa.

Steve Bruce, who so far has had an outstanding record on the transfer market, said "He is a very creative midfielder and a player that will enhance our attacking options". Although I have rattled on about the need for a thought-through defensive strategy in away games which includes having at least one defensive midfielder, supporters would not be unhappy with a midfielder à la Frank Lampard, who could help bear some of the scoring responsibility borne so brilliantly by Darren Bent last season.

Riveros may well free up players like Lee Cattermole and Lorik Cana to protect the back four, especially away from home, and will give them another passing option when setting up counterattacks. There is no doubt we have sorely missed Andy Reid in the second half of this season, he is skilful, committed and can unlock defences. The way Steve Bruce is thinking is surely to have two quality players for each position, to deal with inevitable injury crises - it was real low point in January when the Black Cats had 9 players out through injury and suspensions. We have often been a bit thin in midfield in 2009-10; see my May 6 blog on the latest midfield injury crisis.

I was a fan of Peter Reid’s stated policy 12 years ago of buying quality international players, it worked then and it can work now. Players such as Riveros have proven that they have the mental strength and application to stand out as excellent players at club level, and then to transpose these qualities to the international stage. There are plenty of players with skill, it is their discipline and how they apply themselves mentally that sets apart the true greats from the average footballer.

Goalkeeper Craig Gordon is a case in point, he has just had the metal plate in his arm removed which followed the cringing Defoe incident at Spurs, when the Scot's arm was broken. Despite that setback, and the knowledge that was playing with a “Terminator” arm, he was still fearless and disciplined in the last 3rd of the season, when he produced his best form for Sunderland. Gordon's winning mentality should be infectious, to drive the back four to excellence and the rest of the squad on to greater achievements.

©Lars J.S. Knutsen