Sunderland has experienced a significant transformation this season, making 15 summer signings in an ambitious effort to secure their place in the Premier League. The club’s investment exceeded £150 million, aimed at bolstering their squad under manager Regis Le Bris. While several players have shone, one has consistently underperformed.
Regis Le Bris Faces Tough Decisions
Bertrand Traore, who joined Sunderland to add valuable Premier League experience, has struggled to make an impact. Despite the Black Cats earning six points from their last three matches, Traore’s contributions have been minimal.
Traore’s Underwhelming Performance
In his first three Premier League games, Traore’s statistics raise concerns:
| Match | Minutes Played | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Nottingham Forest vs Sunderland | 31 | 6.5 |
| Manchester United vs Sunderland | 58 | 6.8 |
| Sunderland vs Wolves | 63 | 6.4 |
Traore’s performance culminated in his withdrawal during Sunderland’s 2-0 victory over Wolves. His replacement, Chemsdine Talbi, played a crucial role in securing the win.
Potential Replacements for Chelsea Clash
As Sunderland prepares to face Chelsea, Le Bris must consider other options for the right-wing position. Talbi’s impressive showing against Wolves makes him a strong candidate, as does Simon Adingra, who could exploit his pace on the opposite flank.
- Chemsdine Talbi: Key player in previous match.
- Simon Adingra: Speedy option for the right side.
With Chelsea in formidable form, Sunderland’s tactical decisions are critical. Aiming for at least a point at Stamford Bridge, they cannot afford mistakes linked to underperformers. Dropping Traore could be a necessary move for Le Bris if Sunderland hopes to maintain their Premier League status.
Stay updated with more Sunderland news and insights by following El-Balad for the latest content.
