Sunderland midfielder Didier Ndong feels at his best in a free role.

In recent weeks, though, Ndong's form – in line with Sunderland generally – has been on an upward curve and he feels he is at his best when given licence to roam more freely.

“I think I am at my best the way that I played against Leicester, and also against Tottenham and Liverpool," Ndong told the Sunderland Echo.

“That is my best position. You never know who you are going to play against, and the manager has to make changes accordingly, but I definitely think my best position is playing in a midfield two with another player behind me.

“That gives me the freedom and the ability to do what I want to do."