Jones makes encouraging debut – what it tells us about Lee's plans

It was almost the perfect introduction.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Jordan Jones was quiet in the opening moments of his full Sunderland debut.

TheRangersloaneehadnot played since October, and this wasanentirelynewsystemand group to settle into.

Then there was the fact that, unsurprisingly, Russell Martin's MK Dons side were mostlyincontrolofpossession during the early exchanges.

Just before the ten-minute mark, though, Jones showed what his game is about.

Sunderland won the ball andJonespickedupjustinside the MK Dons half. Head down, heburstthroughthemiddleof the pitch, escaping three MK Dons players as he headed for the edge of the area.

Jack Diamond was inches away from getting to the through ball, and would have been presented with the simplest of finishes to give his side the lead.

ThroughthefirsthalfJones was never quite able to replicate the success of that first real move, but his willingness to take players on was notable. Though MK Dons were able to just about clear their lines on the occasions that followed, it wasalivelyenoughcameofrom aplayerclearlywellshortoffull match fitness.

Shortly before his debut was brought to an end around an hour into the contest, his driving run from deep in his own half bought a free-kick and a valuable opportunity for histeamtoregroupafteraspell of MK Dons pressure.

His arrival, and his debut performance, reflected one of Lee Johnson's main priorities in the early days of what he hopes is a long Sunderland tenure.

After watching his side labour to defeat against Wigan Athletic on his first afternoon in the job, Johnson identified getting speed into his side as absolutely key.

Jack Diamond's breakthrough performance at Lincoln City a week later gave him one option, and now Jones hands him another.

TheprofileofSunderland's gameplan is evolving.

Johnsonisslowlybuildinga sidethatisatitsmostthreateningwheninthetransitionfrom defence to attack.

The challenge for Johnson is one of balance and the question is whether playing two wingers of the profile of Jones and Diamond gives him enoughcontrolina4-2-2-2system. Particularly at home, offering more composure and threat from central areas is goingtobekeytounlockingdeeplying defences.