The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is set to wreak major havoc on the Premier League. Just ask the hundreds of clubs already preparing for such a loss of their most valuable players. Sunderland emerges as the most affected team, losing six players to the tournament, while Manchester United and Fulham brace themselves for a combined loss of 11 goal involvements. With 32 Premier League players set to take to the field for 14 of the 24 nations competing in the tournament, this deeper engagement will have a multiplier effect throughout each of those clubs.
Sunderland’s situation shows the perils of losing players to international call-ups. The team has looked internally as evidenced by the club-record 4,412 Premier League minutes played thus far by academy products this season. This sudden loss of manpower will surely put Sunderland’s depth to the test as they continue to look up from the bottom of the league table.
Tactical Adjustments
To combat the impending departure of these players, Sunderland manager Ruben Amorim has deployed tactical changes. He switched to a back four in their recent match against Bournemouth, aiming to solidify the defense under the increased pressure of missing key players. In his favoured 3-4-2-1 formation, Amad Diallo is a real threat from right wing-back. At the same time, Bryan Mbeumo has been exceptionally important as their right-sided No 10. Their fluidity has proven deadly in Sunderland’s counterattacking gameplan, but losing them will severely test Sunderland’s rearguard.
Amorim’s tactical change highlights the need for a flexible approach in football. With teams dealing with player absences, managers have to find ways to keep teams playing at a capable, competitive level. The loss of Diallo and Mbeumo will require Sunderland to leverage other players effectively or risk falling behind in the league.
Impact on Premier League Clubs
Manchester United and Fulham come next in line among the clubs that will feel the biggest impact from AFCON. Mbumuo, Amad, Alex Iwobi, and Samuel Chukwueze have departed. That means both clubs together will be missing a combined 11 goal involvements. This predicament puts a tremendous burden on their healthy roster members amidst an already congested schedule.
Both clubs have had enough advanced notice to get ready for the AFCON fallout. They knew months in advance which players would be likely participating, giving them time to plan their curriculum and strategy around this. For Manchester United, the answer once again is Bruno Fernandes, who is shaping up to be the biggest difference-maker of this season. Enter Mohamed Salah, a transcendent figure and arguably the best player ever to compete in the Premier League the last 15 years.
This is a brutal part of the schedule for Aston Villa and all clubs right now. Meanwhile, Liverpool is rewarded by having one of the league’s easiest runs to the finish line. Everton and West Ham have tough runs coming up. This variety of timeframes truly adds a wild card into the mix for clubs attempting to plan for player absence.
The Broader Picture
Arsenal happens to be one of six English Premier League clubs who won’t be losing any player(s) to AFCON. This fortunate circumstance may provide them with an advantage over competitors who are forced to adapt their line-ups and strategies mid-season.
As the tournament unfolds, clubs will further scrutinize their players’ performances and the impact on their league standings. The logistical planning done in advance can turn out to be extremely useful. More importantly, they will assist the team in addressing the unique complexities of international tournaments such as AFCON.
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