Enzo Le Fée Shines for Sunderland, But There’s a Hidden Concern Lurking Beneath the Surface

**Enzo Le Fée Shines for Sunderland, But There’s a Hidden Concern Lurking Beneath the Surface** 

Enzo Le Fée has hit the ground running since joining Sunderland, dazzling fans with standout performances that suggest he’s worth every penny. In just four Championship matches, the French midfielder has become a key figure, particularly shining in Sunderland’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Middlesbrough, where he notched an assist and left Boro’s Luke Ayling struggling to keep up. With Sunderland covering his Roma wages until summer and a £20 million permanent deal on the horizon if promotion is secured, it seems like a dream signing. 

However, beneath all the excitement lies an issue that could cause problems down the line—and it’s not about Le Fée’s talent or form. 

**The Selection Dilemma No One’s Talking About** 

Le Fée was initially brought in to strengthen Sunderland’s midfield, but manager Régis Le Bris has been deploying him on the left wing. While fans hoped to see him dictate play from the center, his performances out wide have been too impressive to ignore. Yet, this creates a looming selection headache with Romaine Mundle and rising star Tommy Watson both returning to fitness in February. 

Watson, in particular, might find Le Fée’s presence problematic. The teenage sensation was on Brighton’s radar during the January window, and another bid is expected in the summer. But if Le Fée continues to occupy Watson’s preferred role, it could limit the youngster’s game time, potentially reducing his market value ahead of a crucial transfer window. 

**What’s the Solution for Régis Le Bris?** 

While having top-quality players like Le Fée, Mundle, and Watson competing for the same position is a luxury, it’s also a tactical puzzle. Fortunately, Le Fée’s versatility offers some flexibility. He could shift into the No. 10 role or even drop deeper into central midfield alongside Dan Neil, freeing up the left flank for Mundle and Watson to share minutes. 

This rotation wouldn’t just maintain squad harmony—it would also keep Watson in the shop window for potential suitors like Brighton. And if contract negotiations between Sunderland and Watson stall in the coming months, maximizing his visibility could be crucial for securing a lucrative summer sale. 

In the short term, Sunderland’s attacking depth looks like a major strength. But as the summer approaches, Le Bris will need to find the right balance to ensure both team success and the club’s long-term financial interests.