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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 25: Nilson Angulo #20 of Ecuador celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match between Ecuador and Germany at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 25, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After signing from Anderlecht in January for around £15 million, Angulo experienced a stop-start six months, with injuries interrupting his progress as he made just eight appearances following his arrival. He showed brightness in moments, but honestly probably flattered to deceive for the most part, and looked very raw.
For those getting their first view of Angulo in the World Cup, however, they would think that Sunderland picked up a top class winger in the Ecuadorian, with two strong performances from the bench being rewarded with a start in the final group game against Germany — who’d beaten both Curacao and Ivory Coast beforehand.
Angulo was up against Joshua Kimmich — certainly not an easy task — yet he had the beating of the Bayern Munich man time and time again. Later in the game, Malick Thiaw came in at right back and also proceeded to be beaten by Angulo with ease — a welcome sight for all Sunderland fans, I’m sure.
Throughout the match, Angulo completed ten carries, nine ball recoveries and attempted six take-ons, with four being successful. He also had three progressive carries, won two fouls and most importantly, scored Ecuador’s crucial equaliser.
The question now is: can he bring this form to Sunderland for next season?
His signing was likely planned to work in a way similar to Romaine Mundle: arrive in a January window to give the player six months to settle in the area, get used to the squad and playing style, and during the following season, the task would be to kick on and make the position their own.
This was very successful with Mundle in the Championship, and Sunderland will be hoping the method works again with Angulo.
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I’m firmly of the opinion that he’ll be a crucial player for us next season.
He’ll get plenty of game time, sharing the left wing position with Chemsdine Talbi during what’ll be a long season encompassing four competitions that Sunderland will want to perform in.
Whether he’ll be first choice in the league, Europe and the other cups remains to be seen, but rotation will be key and Angulo has shown his quality with his national team this summer, performing against some very highly-rated players in world football.
His goal against Germany was very well taken; almost like a block tackle, really, but placed perfectly into the corner to beat arguably the greatest goalkeeper of all time in Manuel Neuer.
A sign of things to come in a red and white shirt, hopefully. And with Brian Brobbey also showcasing his ability on the big stage, if these two can build a good relationship, Brobbey’s hold-up play could help to create a lot of space and chances for Angulo down the left wing.
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Taking a quick look at Angulo’s stats from last season, whilst not picking up any goal contributions in his eight Sunderland appearances (three of these from the bench), he had a total of sixteen touches in the opposition box, averaging out to one every 25 minutes, which would equate to three or four per game if carried out over a season.
Not amazing figures, but for a team that wasn’t expected to be fighting it out at the top of the table, it certainly wasn’t bad. Nilson also completed sixteen dribbles and 44% of what was attempted, which shows he’s not afraid to take on his man — a trait always enjoyed at Sunderland over the years (please see Stéphane Sessègnon, Aiden McGeady, Jack Clarke, etc.)
Angulo also contributed defensively, making ten tackles and five interceptions in his limited appearances — very strong numbers for a winger, a sign of what Régis Le Bris likes in a player and why Angulo was picked up in the first place.
Let us know what you think!
Can Angulo be utilised to help take Sunderland to potential European glory next season? That might be a stretch, but if this World Cup is anything to go by, it could be a very strong season for the Ecuadorian.
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