After performing well on the weekend, Benji Kimpioka will be hopeful that manager Phil Parkinson rewards the striker with a few more appearances for the team. In a press conference before Sunderland’s match against Burton, Parkinson said that he is doing everything he can to integrate the young striker into his team. He claims that the player must be willing to take the chance what it is presented to him (Sunderland).
This statement troubled many fans who believe that the striker already took his chance when he saved Parkinson against Coventry on the weekend. The 90th minute strike spared Sunderland from an embarrassing home defeat.
I think he’s more than ready already as proven on Saturday!
— Col (@ColArmstrong) November 25, 2019
Some fans can’t believe Parkinson’s decision not to make Kimpioka his first choice striker right now. They not sure why he would continue to play Will Grigg instead. Another supporter questions if contract talks are keeping Kimpioka out of the starting 11.
What an absolute clown!!!! Parkinson is talking as if he is stuck behind a striker that is banging in the goals left, right and centre!!!! How you can justify starting Grigg week-in, week-out is beyond me. It’s past the point where I blame the player anymore, I blame the gaffer!
— Kevin Moeliker (@Kevsol) November 25, 2019
Clueless
— ben hall (@HallBhall) November 25, 2019
pace and energy… yep makes sense to leave him on the bench
— Dean Cummings (@Deanospamoni85) November 25, 2019
Knock knock … who’s there ? Benji- your saviour!!
— John Berry (@john_johnberry) November 25, 2019
Is he not starting because he hasn’t signed a new contract?
— Zak (@Zak34552323) November 25, 2019
What do we think?
Parkinson and Sunderland are clearly struggling, but these fans think Kimpioka is the clear answer to their problems. There must be some reason why Parkinson isn’t throwing the young attacker into the deep end just yet. But that reason isn’t obvious to most fans. They see match winner, and they want him to play.