Dan Neil highlights key Sunderland change he feels is a major positive development
DAN NEIL feels the signing of Enzo Le Fee shows how far Sunderland have come since they were promoted back into the Championship.
Le Fee made his Black Cats debut in Friday’s goalless draw at Burnley, having signed a season-long loan from Serie A side Roma earlier this month.
Sunderland have committed to a permanent deal worth around £20m in the event of them winning promotion to the Premier League this season, which would break their current transfer record, with Le Fee having previously been the subject of interest from Liverpool and Arsenal during his time in the French top-flight with Lorient.
This time last year, the Black Cats were signing Callum Styles on loan from Barnsley, so Neil sees Le Fee’s arrival as proof that the club are moving forward.
“I think it shows how far the club has come in the last few years that we can attract a player like this,” said the Sunderland skipper. “We were delighted when he came in and we're already seeing that quality in training. Hopefully, we can attract some more players like him and really push on.”
With Regis Le Bris wanting to retain the midfield trio of Neil, Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham that has served Sunderland so well this season, Le Fee lined up on the left-hand side at Turf Moor.
He produced flashes of his attacking talent, with one through ball that sent Wilson Isidor breaking into the 18-yard box particularly catching the eye.
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However, he also embraced the defensive side of the game as Sunderland successfully contained Scott Parker’s Clarets side, something Neil feels is going to be important in the remainder of the campaign.
“He's looked a player in training since he came in,” said the Wearsider. “He got his chance off the left and he did really well, worked really hard for the team.
“He listened to those around him because he's new to the system, even if he did play something similar with the manager at Lorient. He did his defensive role well, which I think is really important to see that from a new player coming in. And you could see his quality on the ball.”
Le Bris worked with Le Fee during his time in charge of Lorient, and was always confident the 24-year-old would take the move to England in his stride.
Le Fee came through the youth academy at Lorient prior to breaking into the Ligue 1 club’s senior set-up, with Le Bris having been heavily involved in his development.
The Sunderland boss pushed hard to persuade the club’s hierarchy to sanction this month’s move for the midfielder, and was pleased with Le Fee’s debut display on Friday evening. There is every chance the January signing will retain his place in the starting line-up when Sunderland return to action at Derby County tomorrow.
“I think it (Le Fee’s debut) was good,” said Le Bris. “He was really well connected with the team out of possession. That's important because, away, you have to be clever and connected with your team-mates and face with the opposition qualities.
“He did well. And with the ball, he's able to play under pressure so he can (handle) difficult situations very well. I think he showed some good qualities. It's just the beginning, but I'm very confident for the future.”
