Sunderland midfielder Sebastian Larsson has been impressed by his new team-mate Ji Dong-Won in pre-season, and in particular by the Korean’s physical presence.

The 20-year-old joined the Black Cats from Chunnam Dragons in June, and has performed well during Sunderland’s recent tour of Germany.

Larsson, who also moved to the Stadium of Light during the summer following a switch from Birmingham City, told the Sunderland Echo he likes the look of Ji so far.

“Ji has looked impressive. He gets involved, which most of the time is the problem for foreigners when they come to England – the physical side of it,” Larsson said.

“In training and in the games, he looks a good player. Of course it’s difficult for him that he doesn’t speak any English, but there’s a good bunch of lads here.

“We might not have the longest conversations in the world with him, but he’s in and around it all the time. He’ll learn, especially on the pitch, where he seems to be picking things up very quickly.”