Nilson Angulo
SUN
Left Winger
One-v-One Creator
Jun 19, 2003 (23)
Right
6'0"
143 lb
Three shots, fails to score
Angulo registered three shots (two on goal) in Sunday's 0-0 draw against Leeds United.
Analysis: Angulo was unable to replicate his success from midweek after assisting in UEL play, as the forward would fail to bag a goal contribution with his three shots. That said, the forward remains with one goal and one assist in seven apperances (seven starts) this season.
Quiet in 2-0 loss
Nilson Angulo generated one cross (zero accurate) and two tackles in Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Brighton.
Analysis: Angulo started his sixth season game of the season, but this 73-minute appearance was the most he has played so far this season. He was quiet in an attacking sense, not taking a shot or creating a chance. He took one cross but was unable to find his target.
Bags assist
Angulo assisted once to go with two shots (one on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 5-3 defeat to Manchester City.
Analysis: Angulo would bag his first assist of the season Sunday, with the forward linking up with Brian Brobbey in the 59th minute. This gives Angulo his second goal contribution of the season, as he also scored in the season opener. The forward has also matched his start tally from the 2025/26 season already, starting in all five of his appearances after only five starts in a minimal eight appearances last campaign.
Limited in defeat
Angulo had two tackles (one won) in Saturday's 2-0 loss against Arsenal.
Analysis: Angulo started on the left side of Sunderland's attack but struggled to translate his involvement into chances, failing to record a shot or cross before being withdrawn with 20 minutes remaining. Malick Fofana replaced him as Sunderland chased an equalizer, potentially creating additional competition for minutes on the flank. Angulo has remained involved regularly through Sunderland's first four Premier League matches, scoring one goal over that span.
Quiet in 64 minutes
Angulo recorded two crosses (zero accurate) and one tackle in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Brentford.
Analysis: Angulo struggled to influence Sunderland's attack, finishing without a shot and producing only two crosses before making way as his side searched for a breakthrough. The winger does have one goal through his first three Premier League appearances, but Saturday represented a quieter performance. More consistent involvement in the final third would help him solidify his place on the left side of the attack.
Nets in loss
Nilson Angulo scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) and two crosses (zero accurate) in Saturday's 2-1 defeat versus Ipswich Town. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 55th minute.
Analysis: Angulo got off to a good start in the Premier League campaign, scoring once during Saturday's loss. It's a disappointing defeat, but a nice goal for the forward in what should be one of the more gettable matches of the season. Angulo will need to be efficient with what will likely be limited chances in the top flight.
Returns for pre-season
Angulo is back in Sunderland for pre-season training as he pursues more playing time in the 2026/27 campaign.
Analysis: Angulo is returning to his club for the new season and pre-season training, having played four times (two starts) with Ecuador at the World Cup while notching one goal. The forward is looking for an increase in minutes this season after much of his campaign last season was spent adjusting to Premier League life following his move from Belgium. With only eight appearances last season, he is likely to easily top that number if he avoids injury. He is also still in search of that elusive first Premier League goal contribution, likely to finally earn that in the new season.
Lively dribbles, no end product
Nilson Angulo generated two crosses (one accurate) and three corners in Tuesday's 2-0 defeat against Mexico.
Analysis: After his impressive display against Germany, Angulo earned his second consecutive start and was among Ecuador's most dangerous players alongside John Yeboah. His dribbling gave Mexico's defence problems and he completed four successful dribbles, but the final contribution did not follow as he ended the game with only two crosses and nothing in the way of shots or chances created.
Starts scoring for Ecuador
Angulo scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one corner in Thursday's 2-1 win against Germany. He was injured and subbed out in the 85th minute.
Analysis: Angulo set a decisive tone for Ecuador in Thursday's 2-1 victory over Germany, netting the team's opening goal in his first start of the tournament. After previously serving as a substitute against Ivory Coast and Curacao, he fully capitalized on this opportunity to showcase his impact. Across just 139 minutes of play, he has recorded two shots on target, six successful dribbles, 11 ball recoveries, and an 80 percent pass accuracy. His standout performance against Germany has firmly positioned him to contend for a starting role in the upcoming Round of 32, though he remains in a tactical battle with Pervis Estupinan for the position.
Two corners as a sub
Nilson Angulo generated one shot (one on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and two corners in Saturday's 0-0 draw versus Curacao.
Analysis: Angulo came from the bench with 20 minutes to go and tried to help Ecuador find a late winner against Curacao. This was the second game of the tournament in which he came from the bench and, in total, has taken three corners. He put his only shot of the tournament so far on target to contribute to the record number of saves set by Eloy Room.
Increasing role for Ecuador
Angulo is aiming to earn a spot in Ecuador's offense following his participation in recent EPL and international action.
Analysis: Angulo's recent form makes him a player to follow heading into the tournament. The winger recovered from a physical issue shortly before the end of the club campaign and subsequently earned starts in Sunderland's final two matches, a positive sign regarding both fitness and confidence. He has also been impactful with Ecuador, scoring in two of the team's last three warm-up games. His profile is built around speed, dribbling and off-ball movement, making him a natural fit as a wide attacker. With competition for minutes still open, Angulo has a realistic chance to carve out a meaningful role if he remains productive.
Option off bench
Angulo (undisclosed) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Manchester United.
Analysis: Angulo returns to the matchday squad after being unable to earn a place last weekend despite positive signs earlier in the week, with coach Regis Le Bris confirming his availability ahead of the Manchester United fixture. The forward had been a regular starter before the issue emerged, but Le Bris indicated a bench role was the most likely outcome given the circumstances, with minutes on the pitch dependent on his performances in training sessions. His return to the starting role is expected to follow as he continues to prove his fitness over the final fixtures of the season.
Back available Saturday
Angulo (undisclosed) should be back available for Saturday's clash against Manchester United but is expected to start on the bench, according to coach Regis Le Bris, per Scott Wilson from Thenorthernecho. "I think it's fair to say, now, you have to show more during the training sessions. Maybe then you'll get some minutes and those opportunities will give you credit for the next one. That's more or less how we are working now."
Analysis: Angulo's return comes after he was unable to earn a place in the matchday squad last weekend despite positive signs earlier in the week. The forward had been a regular starter before the issue emerged, and his availability gives manager Regis Le Le Bris a key attacking option heading into Saturday's fixture. His return to the fold is a timely boost for Sunderland as they push through the final stretch of the season.
Not available Saturday
Angulo (undisclosed) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Wolves.
Analysis: Angulo has been unable to earn a place in the matchday squad despite coach Regis Le Bris expressing optimism about his condition earlier in the week and suggesting a return was possible this weekend. The forward had been a regular starter before the issue emerged, and the club ultimately decided to wait until the following weekend rather than rush him back before he is fully ready. His return to competitive action is expected to come soon, with the coach making clear the situation would be reassessed ahead of the next fixture.
Late call against Wolves
Angulo (undisclosed) is a late call for Saturday's clash against Wolves, and if unavailable, is expected to return the following weekend, according to coach Regis Le Bris. "We will make a decision on Angulo. He is in a good place. It could be this weekend or the weekend after."
Analysis: Angulo had been a regular starter before the issue emerged, making his potential return a timely boost for Sunderland heading into the final stretch of the season. Manager Regis Le Bris's comments suggest the forward is close to full fitness, though the club will not rush him back before he is ready. A gradual reintegration remains the most likely approach once he is cleared to return to competitive action.
Nearing return to training
Angulo (undisclosed) is close to returning and is expected to begin training with the squad next week, according to coach Regis le Bris. "Angulo is close to returning. Next week, he will start training with the squad."
Analysis: Angulo's imminent return to team training is an encouraging development after his recent absence. The forward had been a regular starter before the issue emerged, and once fully fit, he is expected to work his way back into the starting lineup. A gradual reintegration over the coming fixtures appears the most likely path forward before he returns to his previous role in the first eleven.
Close to return
Angulo (undisclosed) is closing in on a return but is not yet fit, according to manager Regis Le Bris. "Nilson is still sidelined, but [he] is close to reconnecting with the squad. Probably around the Nottingham Forest game."
Analysis: Angulo is looking to be back in the squad soon, as the forward is nearing a return despite missing Sunday's outing. It appears he will eye a return around their next match against Nottingham Forest, although it could take a match or two longer. The good news is that a return this season is still feasible, likely to be fit for the final few games of the season.
Another match out
Angulo (undisclosed) is out for Sunday's match against Tottenham, according to manager Regis Le Bris.
Analysis: Angulo was back in training this week, but as speculated, this is not enough to have reached full fitness and be an option Sunday. However, a return is likely not too far out, potentially returning as early as their next contest. He had recently worked into a starting role with three starts in his past four appearances, now starting in four of his six appearances since joining the team, and hoping to regain that time soon after recovering.
Back in training, unlikely Sunday
Angulo (muscular) was pictured back on the training pitch but remains unlikely to feature in Sunday's clash against Tottenham, according to the Sunderland Echo.
Analysis: Angulo has been sidelined since picking up a muscle tear ahead of the Brighton defeat on March 14, with coach Regis Le Bris initially handing him a four to six week timeline. His return to training is a genuine positive step and raises hopes of him featuring before the end of the campaign, but the club is not ready to rush him back for Sunday's clash against Spurs given the severity of the injury and the amount of time he has missed. Chemsdine Talbi has been covering in his absence and should retain his role for Sunday's game.
Set to miss 4-6 weeks
Angulo (undisclosed) suffered an injury in Friday's team training session and will miss four to six weeks to recover, according to coach Regis Le Bris. "Nilson will be out for four to six weeks."
Analysis: Angulo picked up an injury during the final training session Friday ahead of Saturday's clash against Brighton and is expected to miss four to six weeks while recovering from the issue. The setback is a significant blow for the Black Cats since he had quickly locked down a regular starting role after arriving at the club. His absence should force a reshuffle in the starting XI, with Chemsdine Talbi likely in line for increased playing time until Angulo makes his return.
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