I was shocked when I first learned of Lorik Cana’s transfer to Galatasaray. He’s been quite an enigma throughout his short spell at Sunderland, starting the season extremely well and contributing with a stand-out performance at home to Liverpool. Unfortunately, like the rest of the Sunderland team Cana’s form began to suffer. He missed games through injury and suspension until ultimately he struggled to regain his place in the first team line-up.

It can be argued that Cana is not the perfect partner to play alongside Cattermole and as I side we could be a lot more dangerous with a more creative central midfield player. Cana like Cattermole is first and foremost a ball winner, he prides himself on giving his all, putting in battling displays but his attacking play was questionable. It would be rare to see a defence splitting ball or even a goal from Cana and since we relied heavily on Bent’s goal-scoring prowess it would make sense to replace him with a more attacking minded midfielder.

No doubt Cana will go down as a cult-figure on Wearside but I don’t think he’ll be greatly missed (His chant will most certainly be missed though!). I wish him all the best at Galatasaray, I’m sure the fans will quickly take to him when they see his battling displays and warrior like attitude on the field.