Sunderland’s return to the Premier League continues to impress, and their latest performance — a hard-fought 0–0 draw away to Crystal Palace — has earned praise from none other than Alan Shearer. The former England captain singled out defender Nordi Mukiele for his commanding display, describing the summer signing as “solid as a rock.”
🧱 Defensive Backbone in Palace Stalemate
Mukiele, who joined Sunderland on a four-year deal during the summer transfer window, was instrumental in helping the Black Cats secure their second clean sheet of the season. Tasked with keeping Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta quiet, the 27-year-old won 75% of his ground duels and showed composure and physicality throughout the match.
Shearer was so impressed that he included Mukiele in his Premier League Team of the Week, stating:
“He stood firm and didn’t give Jean-Philippe Mateta a sniff. Solid as a rock.”
🔄 Sunderland’s Smart Summer Business Paying Off
Mukiele’s arrival was part of Sunderland’s ambitious £160 million summer overhaul, which also saw the likes of Granit Xhaka and Robin Roefs join the club. Under head coach Régis Le Bris, the Black Cats have picked up seven points from their first four matches and currently sit seventh in the table — a remarkable start for a newly promoted side.
Shearer has previously praised Sunderland’s recruitment strategy, calling it “great to see them back in the division.” Mukiele’s performances are now backing up that sentiment on the pitch.
🌍 Mukiele’s Journey to the Premier League
Though new to English football, Mukiele has long been on the radar of Premier League clubs. TBR Football reports that Manchester United once considered signing the French defender during Erik ten Hag’s tenure, but the move never materialized.
Instead, Mukiele honed his craft across Europe, playing for RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen, and Paris Saint-Germain before making the switch to the Stadium of Light. His experience at the highest level is now proving invaluable to Sunderland’s defensive structure.
🔮 A Key Figure in Sunderland’s Survival Bid
With Sunderland showing resilience and tactical discipline under Le Bris, Mukiele’s leadership and consistency at the back could be pivotal in their quest to remain in the top flight. His early-season form suggests he’s more than capable of thriving in the Premier League — and Shearer’s endorsement only adds weight to that belief.
As Sunderland prepare for their next challenge against Aston Villa, fans will be hoping Mukiele continues to anchor the defence and help the Black Cats build on their promising start. If he does, the phrase “solid as a rock” may become a weekly refrain on Wearside.
