Sunderland building Everton B team

As clubs scramble to fill their squad for a last push at either a top four finish or to avoid relegation, some odd things happen. Managers can fall back on familiar faces that offer a comfort from the past relationship. David Moyes did just that with Sunderland.

According to the Daily Star, two Everton players are all but set to join their former manager Moyes and the signing is imminent. The two players in question are Bryan Oviedo and Darren Gibson both little used at Everton.

For his part when given a starting role Oviedo has acquitted himself well. During the Leighton Baines injury spells, the Costa Rican has been used as an attacking full-back and while defensive cover has been needed at times, his consistent effort and ability on the ball have always been a positive for Everton. However, with Baines back from injury and Ronald Koeman moving to a three-man backline Oviedo has been deemed a surplus.

The other player moving to Sunderland is Darren Gibson. This Ireland midfielder has done more than just fall down the Everton pecking order as injuries have kept him from playing more than a few times a season.

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Once a bright Manchester United prospect, since moving to Everton hasn’t made double-digit starts in years. The combination of injuries and Everton bringing in midfield help/Tom Davies emergence has meant that Gibson clearly doesn’t have a role to play.

These two players could bring a good deal to a Sunderland club fighting their annual relegation battle. With Patrick van Aanholt leaving for Crystal Palace Sunderland needed a full-back to fill the role. While Oviedo won’t be a star at the position, he can do a job and contribute to a bottom of the table club.

Sunderland needs attacking ability wherever they can get it as their second fewest Premier League goals and almost 40% possession is hopelessly out of touch with what is needed to stay up. Oviedo can assist in both categories for a cheap price.

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Gibson, when healthy can provide exactly what a relegation scrap demands. That is an ability to muck it up in the midfield. He is a physical presence who’s playing style is almost a throwback to the tough tackling days of the Premier League. Obviously, he lacks the quality to be a front line starter for a top half of the table club, but for a relegation battle and perhaps a Championship promotion battle next season, he is perfectly suited.

David Moyes has predictably fallen back on those he brought in during his Everton days. If he and Sunderland are indeed to go down, it will be with those the boss is most comfortable with.