‘Calm and brave’ – all you need to know about Jake
Sunderland have signed Southampton full-back Jake Vokins – but what do we know about him?
The left-back has joined the Black Cats on loan after an injury setback for Denver Hume made a defender a priority for Lee Johnson this month.
So what kind of player will Sunderland be getting?
We take a look…
Where has Vokins played?
Oxford-born Vokins has spent his entire career to date at Southampton, having progressed through the ranks on the south coast.
He is highly-regarded by first-team and academy staff at St Mary’s and has been training with the club’s senior side all season – having also been handed opportunities in the cup competitions.
Vokins recently started the Premier League clash with Arsenal and put in a promising display, while he has also been capped by England up to under-19 level.
What type of player is Vokins?
Vokins is very much a modern day full-back, who is happy to contribute in the final third while also remaining solid at the back.
It’s his play in an attacking sense that has caught the eye of most at Southampton, with the 20-yearold not afraid to try his luck from range while also possessing a wicked delivery.
Describing Vokins’ attributes after he penned a new four-year deal at St Mary’s in the summer, manager Ralph Hasenhuttl said: "He is calm on the ball but also brave, and I like this attribute in my players.
"He must keep working hard on his game, and we will be sure to do this with him.
"There are many areas that he can improve in further, so this is a good opportunity for him to make the most of his potential."
What else has Hasenhuttl said about Vokins?
Hasenhuttl has been extremely complimentary of the youngster in the past, a verdict which should encourage Sunderland fans as to the calibre of the young player.
Vokins was handed his Premier League debut last year, at which time Hasenhuttl said: "In the second half, he showed some fantastic passes.
“He took risks and was calm on the ball. He made a big shot on the goal and nearly scored.
“It was a brave performance.”
And speaking earlier this week about the leftback, the Southampton boss said: "I think he is so far also experienced that he is not nervous anymore and he knows what he has to do, so I am looking forward to the game for him.
"It is tough for him to play, because Ryan (Bertrand) made also a good season and is on a very constant high level of playing
full-back.
"But I must say always when he had the chance he showed up and he played good games, so I am not scared when he is playing
on this side on Tuesday."
What do we know about Vokins’ transfer to Sunderland?
Vokins has joined on a loan deal until the end of the season.
Given he is under 21, his wage will not count towards the salary cap – nor will he count towards the League One squad cap.