A first taste of the Premier League International Cup for Charlie Dinsdale, as Sunderland faced Borussia Dortmund.
The German visitors provided a demanding test at a high level — exactly the kind of fixture the competition is designed to deliver — and a real step up against opposition of that quality and pedigree.
Getting time on the pitch in this kind of European-style fixture is an important step in Charlie’s development. The experience of facing a famous European side at this stage of his career is one that will only sharpen his game in the months ahead.