Sunderland boss Gus Poyet is delighted with the revived form of Emanuele Giaccherini.
Poyet says the 29-year-old could play an important part in his team's campaign - even from the bench.
"To have him back is fantastic for us because this is the best I've seen him," said Poyet. "Throughout pre-season, and since he's come back from an injury setback, he has been great.
"But the competition for places in our midfield now is massive, massive - it's even difficult to make the bench now.
"That's where you can win football games though, with the options among the substitutes."
