David Moyes: 'Adnan Januzaj can be matchwinner'

Sunderland midfielder Adnan Januzaj in action during his side's Premier League clash with Everton at the Stadium of Light on September 12, 2016
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Sunderland boss David Moyes backs on-loan Manchester United winger Adnan Januzaj to be a 'matchwinner' for the Black Cats this season.

Sunderland boss David Moyes has backed on-loan Manchester United winger Adnan Januzaj to be a 'matchwinner' for the Black Cats this season.

The Belgian international joined Sunderland, who currently sit 18th in the Premier League table, on loan during the summer and has scored once in 12 appearances for his adopted club during the 2016-17 campaign.

Januzaj's perceived lack of effort has drawn criticism from sections of the Sunderland support this season, but Moyes has backed the Belgian international to make a serious impact over the next few months.

"I have told him he has to look as if he's running a bit harder, sometimes his body language gives you the feeling that he's not," Moyes told reporters.

"But he's capable of winning games. He's not quite doing it yet, but I have great belief he will. He's got the ability to do it and score goals, he had a couple of one-against-one opportunities (against Chelsea last week), instances you feel you would fancy to get in a shot.

"I thought Adnan played really well, that was one of his best games so far. He has got a bit fitter and he needs a bit of encouragement as well. He had a chance against Chelsea which he could have scored, although it was a good save."

Januzaj will be ineligible to face his parent club when Sunderland make the trip to Man United on December 26.

Sunderland manager David Moyes takes to the touchline before the English Premier League match between Sunderland and Everton at the Stadium of Light on September 12, 2016
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1Chelsea18151238112746
2Liverpool18124245212440
3Manchester CityMan City18123339201939
4Arsenal18114339192037
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs18106233132036
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd189632718933
7Everton187562321226
8Southampton186661820-224
9West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom186572322123
10Watford186482230-822
11West Ham UnitedWest Ham186482332-922
12Bournemouth186392331-821
13Stoke CityStoke185672028-821
14Burnley1862101728-1120
15Middlesbrough184681620-418
16Leicester CityLeicester184592331-817
17Crystal Palace1844102933-416
18Sunderland1842121631-1514
19Swansea CitySwansea1833122141-2012
20Hull City1833121439-2512