Jack Rodwell was a hugely promising talent when he completed his move from Everton to Manchester City in 2012, but having made very few appearances for them in the few years he was there, he swapped the Etihad for the Stadium of Light.
His career to date has been plagued by injury, which restricted his appearances both at Manchester City and his current club, Sunderland.
Having struggled to stay fit and remain in the starting lineup amid managerial changes and relegation battles, he is hoping to flourish under new manager David Moyes as the new season gets set to start this coming weekend.
At just 25-years-old, there's still time for Rodwell to improve and find his best form, while renewing his relationship with the man who brought him into the first team at Goodison is also something that he is looking forward to.
During pre-season, Rodwell has already shown his versatility by playing in defence at right back and centre back, a role he may well find himself in more frequently over the next few months.
Speaking to The Sunderland Echo, Rodwell said that he is very comfortable in his defensive role, and can get his career back on track if he's given time there this coming season.
"I do believe I am naturally a centre-half, but whether [David Moyes] chooses to play me there this season, or if he starts me in midfield, then he knows I can fill those other positions. That is good for me and the team.
"Hopefully, ideally within the next few years, I would like to step back to centre-half, whether it is this season or not, I am happy to play anywhere for the team.
With Irish international John O'Shea currently in at centre-back and club captain, Rodwell will have a chance to learn alongside a hugely experienced player who also came to Sunderland via a Manchester club, and drawing on that guidance could prove to be a valuable resource.
Rodwell also added that, having worked with Moyes from a young age, he knows what is expected of him under the new regime, but also the stability that the Scot will bring to Sunderland.
"He is so dedicated and that is why he has been successful," said Rodwell. "The last few seasons have been a struggle, scraping around the last few games and that is not what we want. This manager won’t have that."
Rodwell and Moyes don't have too long to wait to test that new resolve either, as they will kick off their season with Sunderland away against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City on Saturday, as both men look to prove that they belong in the Premier League.
Via Sunderland Echo
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