AliousSunderland fans got their first look at new signing Enzo Le Fee during Friday’s goalless draw against Burnley.
In a surprising move, manager Regis Le Bris opted to start the French midfielder, rather than easing him into the game with a cameo.
Despite the high-stakes nature of the match, Le Fee delivered a solid performance.
The expectation had been that Le Fee, on loan from Roma, would begin on the bench and potentially make a late appearance.
Instead, Le Bris included him in the starting XI, positioning him on the left flank in a lineup brimming with quality.
While Sunderland controlled much of the game, their efforts were undone by missed opportunities, including two penalties missed by Wilson Isidor.
Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford played a controversial role, employing time-wasting tactics during both penalties, seemingly affecting Isidor’s composure.
The striker was visibly distraught after the match, but amidst the frustration, there were positives for Sunderland to take away—Le Fee’s promising debut being a key one.
However, comments from Le Bris regarding the player’s position raised some eyebrows among fans.
Le Bris believes Le Fee’s “best position” is on the left
Le Fee, traditionally a central midfielder, was deployed on the left side of Sunderland’s attack.
Fans quickly observed that his skill set appeared better suited to a central role, where his composure and playmaking abilities could shine.
Despite this, Le Bris kept Le Fee on the left for the entire game and later stated that he believes it to be the player’s best position.
Speaking to *Sky Sports* after the match, Le Bris said: *“It was his first connection with the team, and I think he did well, in a position that is probably his best position.”*
Le Bris praises Le Fee’s debut performance
Le Bris elaborated further during his post-match press conference, offering praise for Le Fee’s contribution:
*“It was a good introduction for him.
Playing away from home, in a different position than he’s used to, I thought he performed well.
He defended effectively with Dennis and Jobe on the left, staying connected to the team in that area.
“With the ball, he showed great composure, handling pressure well and giving the team confidence.
He even had the potential to provide one or two key passes, though it didn’t materialize this time. Overall, it was a solid debut.”*
Whether Le Bris’ comments about Le Fee’s best position were misunderstood or genuinely reflect his view remains unclear.
However, if he truly sees Le Fee as better suited to the left, it could create concerns for Sunderland fans, many of whom believe his natural role lies in central midfield.
Selection dilemmas for Le Bris
The challenge for Le Bris moving forward will be finding a way to incorporate Le Fee into Sunderland’s midfield without disrupting the current setup.
Chris Rigg, one of the standout performers this season, may be the player most at risk of losing his spot to accommodate Le Fee in his preferred role.
For now, Sunderland fans will hope that Le Fee’s positioning is adjusted to maximize his potential, as his debut showed glimpses of the impact he could have in the heart of the team.
Alious
