Sunderland boss Paolo di Canio admits he needs to find a midfield partner for Cabral after defeat to Fulham.
The Italian reiterated his desire to bring in an influential midfielder before the transfer window shuts next month.
Di Canio said: "Today we had the quality of Cabral but we need another player there who can feed my striker and my wingers.
"We can improve this area if we bring in another player with the key - a real playmaker with a personality and a physical presence because this is the art of the game.
"I told them before the start of the season if we play well and deliver a clear identity on the field I prefer to lose and play well rather than win and play very bad - but after that I think a few points will be better.
"The only disappointment is when you dominate and create 10 clear chances and they had only one corner kick. There was only one team in it, but you have to work on it and take the positives."
