Lebrides praised Aldridge for his natural defensive abilities.

Another crucial match in the 34th round of the 2025/26 Premier League season will take place, with Sunderland hosting Nottingham Forest. In an interview, manager Alderlet specifically praised Alderlet's natural defensive abilities and excellent left-footed technique.

In the last league match, Sunderland lost 3-4 to Aston Villa despite goals from Chris Rigg, Trey Hume, and Wilson Isidore. After winning three and losing two of their last five matches, Sunderland currently sits in 11th place in the standings with 46 points.

The 29-year-old Alderrett joined Sunderland last August, signing a four-year contract. So far this Premier League season, Alderrett has made 29 appearances for Sunderland, contributing one goal and one assist.

Sunderland manager Lebrides said, "Aldrete has been outstanding. He is somewhat unique, including his personality, his attitude in training every day, and his relationship with his teammates. He is a bit older and brings a different cultural background."

"As a center-back, his role is naturally different from that of a midfielder, striker, or winger, but he is very important to us and to the way we want to play. He is excellent at handling challenges and long passes in the penalty area when the opponent chooses to launch long balls. He has a strong defensive talent and doesn't need to do anything deliberately. He likes to defend in the penalty area, and he is also very good with his left foot."

Lebrice said, "Sometimes his energy in terms of game rhythm is not ideal, but that's because his technical ability is so good that everything seems easy for him. I think he has improved in this aspect this season."

In addition, when discussing the team's roster situation, Lebrides said, "Nilsson Angulo and Berto are close to resuming part of training next week and may gradually participate in the team's training camp. Jocelyn T'Bee has already started training with the team this week, and if he feels better, he may increase his training volume further next week. This is good news, and there is nothing else to add."

“We had several players feeling unwell last week, and this happens quite often. There were about five or six players at their limit at the time, which had a significant impact on us.”

Lebrides added, "But that's how it is, and we have to deal with it. Alderlet is in a similar situation. Last week we were all at a critical juncture, so we didn't make any special mention of it at the time, but it did affect the game."

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