David Moyes believes Jason Denayer's midfield experiment will help mould him into a top central defender.
The Manchester City loanee has started Sunderland's last two games sitting in front of the back four and gallantly man-marked Philippe Coutinho at Liverpool before the playmaker was forced off.
Denayer's performance at Anfield earned him plaudits, despite the Black Cats eventually going down 2-0.
Moyes would have no qualms keeping the Belgian in midfield and thinks it can benefit his development in the long run.