Premier League: Jack Rodwell welcomes new challenge at Sunderland

Jack Rodwell admits joining Sunderland has been a culture shock, but is relishing a new challenge at an ambitious club.

The England midfielder moved to the Stadium of Light for £10million during the summer transfer window, with Gus Poyet spending big on a player who has endured his injury struggles in recent years.

Those troubles prevented him from making the desired impact at Manchester City, but Rodwell was part of a star-studded squad at the Etihad Stadium that recaptured the Premier League title in 2013/14.

Expectations on Wearside are a little lower, but Sunderland are moving in the right direction under Poyet and remain an exciting work in progress.

Rodwell, who is still only 23 years of age, told the Echo: “If you’re asking me is it different from Manchester City, then yes, it is different

“At Manchester City, we were always on the ball and playing and we try to do that here at Sunderland as well.

“But we also play a three in central midfield here, whereas I am used to playing in a two, so that is a new style, a new system for me.

“It something I’m still adjusting to, but I’m getting there.

“I’m playing a bit further up field, too. I’m starting off further up the pitch in my starting position, whereas in a two I might start a bit deeper and end up there.

“So I’m getting used to starting in that position too, I suppose.”

Rodwell has embraced the challenge of becoming a playmaker, with more of an impact now expected of him in the final third.

He added: “That’s what the manager wants and I’m enjoying it really.

“I’ve got one goal this season but I’ve had a couple of chances here and there.

“For all of us though it just needs to fall in the right positions – strikers as well – there’s not quite been enough clear-cut chances, but I think they’ll come.”