Sunderland’s best XI after the January transfer window: Solving Regis Le Bris’ midfield headache
Sunderland’s best XI after the January transfer window: Solving Regis Le Bris’ midfield headache
With the January transfer window over, Regis Le Bris now knows the squad of players he has to lean on for the rest of the season.
It was a fairly productive window for Sunderland, with the club sealing three major incomings and plenty of outgoings that saw fringe players depart.
Regis Le Bris will now be hoping that the players at his disposal can get the Black Cats over the line in the promotion hunt. Truth be told, the Frenchman is spoiled for choice.
So, after a successful transfer window for Sunderland, how can Le Bris get the best out of his side, and which players form the best XI he can select? Sunderland AFC News offers not one, but two options.
Enzo Le Fee has to play centrally in Sunderland’s best XI
We know Le Bris prefers to play a 4-2-3-1 formation, with a fairly versatile trio of central midfielders and aggressive wide players supporting a lone striker.
One thing’s for certain, new signing Enzo Le Fee has to be at the heart of the team, but that means difficult decisions and one shocking exclusion in Sunderland’s best XI. Simply put, Le Fee has to play centrally to maximise his impact.
Unfortunately, that means there’s no place for Chris Rigg, with Jobe Bellingham and Dan Neil the preferred pairing behind Le Fee. Out wide, when everyone is fit, we believe Patrick Roberts and Romaine Mundle are the best options, too.
Wilson Isidor is a no-brainer in the forward role, with neither Eliezer Mayenda or new boy Jayden Danns having enough to displace the Frenchman.
The defensive line is fairly simple to organise, too. Trai Hume and Dennis Cirkin are without a doubt the best full-back options, while Chris Mepham and Dan Ballard play in the middle in front of Anthony Patterson in goal. The experienced Luke O’Nien does push it close, but not close enough.
Regis Le Bris can mix things up with a 4-4-2
From time to time, we’ve seen Le Bris change things with his system and employ a 4-4-2, which allows Sunderland to combat more expansive opponents, with a high pressing front line and a more compact midfield.
In that scenario, Eliezer Mayenda partners Isidor in attack, with the pair really working in tandem to get the best out of each other already this season.
With width not as important in this structure, Le Bris can afford to move Le Fee out to the left and bringing in Rigg on the right. While this doesn’t get the best out of the two midfielders, they are both still more than effective wherever they play.
Sunderland captain Dan Neil is a must-start in every game, while Jobe is the best partner for him in the middle of the park. The back four stays the same regardless.
All of this, and we’ve not even mentioned Tommy Watson. The youngster is definitely a great option to have, but when the full squad is available, he’s best used as an impact substitute.
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