Summertime acquisition On the day of the transfer deadline, Nazariy Rusyn revealed his early difficulties adjusting to life at Sunderland after moving in for Zorya Luhansk.
Rusyn, who has a great reputation in his native Ukraine, has only made four appearances for the Black Cats this season and has not started a game. This has prevented him from having many opportunity to display his skills at the Stadium of Light.
The 24-year-old has scored 14 goals since the beginning of the previous season, all of which have come during his time with Zorya. One of those goals came before the beginning of the 2023–2024 season, just before he inked a four-year contract with Sunderland.
Even so, the center-forward was called up to the Ukrainian national team this month for matches against Malta and North Macedonia; he is not included in the roster for today’s match against the former.
Rusyn discussed his struggles since leaving his home country to join Sunderland with the publication Tribuna while on international duty [quoted via Chronicle Live]:
To put it simply, it feels like a different world. The major reason it’s difficult for me is because I don’t speak the language. It’s critical for football players to communicate.
It’s challenging, but that’s alright, I’m gradually growing accustomed to it. It will be easier now that the family is moving,” he said.
“I try to listen to the coach, do what he wants, and just get used to it. I need time, and I understand that I’m not in a hurry.”
Before the next round of international matches, Sunderland has a demanding stretch of games ahead of them, with trips to Stoke City, Leicester City, Norwich City, Swansea City, and Birmingham City.
Rusyn will be looking to contribute to Tony Mowbray’s team’s effort to win as many of the 15 points that are up for grabs.
Writer’s Opinion
Nobody should be getting on Rusyn’s back just yet; it would be unfair. It can be very challenging to enter a new league, particularly a large club, without any knowledge of the English language.
It may be a write-off for this season, or at least his first few months at Sunderland, until he properly settles in and is able to understand the needs of the league, his coach, and the team language.
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