Regis Le Bris could surprise us all at 7pm by dropping Sunderland man who’s ‘improving a lot’
Sunderland and Everton round out the weekend’s action in the Premier League later tonight with a big clash at the Stadium of Light, and Regis Le Bris will be looking for any advantage he can get to keep his good run going.
With other results going against them this weekend, Sunderland have slipped from fourth to seventh ahead of Monday night’s game.
However, the Black Cats can jump to second in the Premier League table if they can get a win against Everton. It’s not unthinkable; indeed, plenty of pundits think Sunderland will get the three points.
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So, can Sunderland maintain their unbelievable start to the season? Or will David Moyes find a hole in Regis Le Bris’ plans? The Black Cats boss may need to spring a surprise to keep his opposite number on his toes.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Bertrand Traore has to make way vs Everton
For the last three games, Le Bris has handed a starting spot to Bertrand Traore on the right wing. However, the Burkina Faso international has really struggled to make any kind of significant impact.
Signed from Ajax for £2.5m in the summer, the 30-year-old had to be patient to get his chance in the first-team, having arrived carrying an injury.
But, having been given an opportunity (or three), it’s become clear that Traore is the weak link in this Sunderland side right now.
In his 65 minutes against Chelsea last weekend, Traore did create one big chance for his side, but also only managed eight successful passes in the opposition half from 12 attempted.
StatisticsBertrand Traore vs ChelseaTouches27Key passes1Shots2Successful dribbles0Dispossessed6Cross accuracy33%Passes in opposition half8Offside1Data via SofaScore
Traore had just 27 touches of the ball in total and failed to complete any successful dribbles, while losing the ball six times. From his two shots, one was saved and one was blocked, but neither really looked that threatening.
And therein lies the problem: Traore just does not pose a significant threat to warrant being involved against Everton from the start.
This is a game Sunderland absolutely can win, but they have a poor record of scoring against Everton of late. Having a player like Traore out wide, who is failing to take on opponents or deliver quality into the box, is not going to help change that record.
Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images
Regis Le Bris is happy with Bertrand Traore
That’s not to say Traore doesn’t have a role to play. In fact, Le Bris has spoken very positively about the winger recently, and insists he appreciates his progress since joining the club.
Le Bris said: “I’m really happy with Bertrand. He’s a different character, a different type of player as well. He didn’t connect early with us and struggled a bit during the pre-season because he had an injury. He missed probably two weeks. We were aware that his fitness level wasn’t the best when he came here.
“Now, he’s training really well. He understands the game model, the way we want to play in this position especially. He’s the captain of his national team, so he has a different personality, a different character, and he’s improving a lot.”
It’s one of the many positives of Sunderland’s transfer strategy this summer that Le Bris has a dense squad filled with top quality, international-level players. That means rotation is a luxury the Frenchman can afford, and there are two options he could turn to tonight.
First of all, the matchwinner against Chelsea, Chemsdine Talbi has a great shout for stepping into the starting XI.
On the young Moroccan, Le Bris said: “I think he’s doing really well. He’s really young… so you have to remember that playing at that level at 20 and being consistent is not easy. If you are consistent coming off the bench, scoring, provoking different chances, I think it’s good, and I know that he will play and start different games later.”
Talbi spoke about Sunderland’s qualities after the win over Chelsea, with a large focus on teamwork and togetherness. That strong squad unit will have to come into play against Everton, and that includes being flexible and ready to jump into the lineup.
Another option could be Chris Rigg, though. Despite being better suited to a more central role, the Sunderland academy star has played on the right many times and is a player capable of making an impact wherever he plays.
Whichever way Le Bris goes with this decision, he’s got a great chance of picking up another win here. The key for Sunderland, really, is to stop Jack Grealish — a task which lands on Nordi Mukiele’s shoulders.
Beyond that, the attacking talent at Sunderland’s disposal should be enough to make the difference.
