Sunderland analysis: Can Enzo Le Fee establish himself as the difference maker in the Mackem’s Premier League promotion push?
It had been nearly twenty years since Sunderland had come away from the Riverside Stadium with three points, however, the Black Cats finally lifted the curse as they emerged 3-2 winners on Monday night.
In what was a game of complete pandemonium, there was one player in particular who stood out amongst the chaos, Enzo Le Fee.
Transfer News Blitz writer Ethan Pitts has explored just how important the Roma loanee could be in Sunderland’s promotion bid.
Sunderland’s new protagonist
It had been a steady start to life in Tyneside for Le Fee, but it was Monday when he officially ‘arrived’ in the Championship.
It was the 25-year-old’s superb through ball that allowed Wilson Isidor to put Sunderland in the lead for the first time on the night.
However, it wasn’t just his goal contribution that caught the eyes of everyone.
The Frenchman’s all-round game was of a level we are not accustomed to seeing in the second tier - his ability to dribble and pick up pockets in between the attack and midfield nearly sent poor Luke Ayling back to Yeovil Town.
Performances like Monday night will carry on anchoring the assertion that Le Fee should be displaying his talents at a higher level than the Championship, something I’m sure Sunderland fans will not care about in the slightest as they aim for promotion.
A future obligation
Eyebrows were raised when Sunderland confirmed the signing of the Lorient-born midfielder on loan from Roma.
This was a real statement of intent by Regis Le Bris’ side, who believe that this could be the year they finally return to the Premier League.
Le Fee had previously played for Le Bris in France for now second-tier side, Lorient.
The connection between the two was a huge reason why the Black Cats were able to agree on personal terms with the playmaker.
Promotion to the Premier League would not only spell the end to a long eight-year absence from England’s top division, but it would also mean a return to the club for Le Fee on a permanent basis.
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The run-in
The Championship is as chaotic this year as ever before.
Like last season, four sides are seen as the favourites for automatic promotion halfway into the season - Leeds, Sheffield United, Burnley and Sunderland.
With sixteen games left in the Championship season, Sunderland currently sits three points behind the automatic spots with a game in hand.
The Black Cats host a travelling Watford side this weekend, as they aim to put pressure on the teams above them.
The hosts will need a similar performance from Le Fee if they are to overcome a stubborn Watford side who occupy 12th place.
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