Sunderland U23 coach Elliott Dickman believes Sweden U21 international of Nigerian descent Joel Asoro can still improve after he was nominated for the prestigious European Golden Boy award.

Asoro is in contention for the award alongside 13 other Premier League wonderkids, including Dominic Solanke (Chelsea) and Tosin Adarabioyo (Manchester City).

“What Joel has got is natural pace,” Dickman said to Sunderland official website.

“He’s good at controlling the ball and the fact that he’s 17 and he’s in the U23’s squad says that the Swedish coach thinks very highly of him, so that’s a great achievement for him.

“But Joel still has a lot to develop and finishing would be one of those areas. He knows that and is working on it.”

The 17-year-old Asoro made his Premier League bow against Middlesbrough and was involved in Cup games against Shrewsbury Town, Queens Park Rangers and Burnley.

Igho Kingsley

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