Sunderland boss explains why he’s reluctant to make the Patrick Roberts switch many fans want to see

Régis Le Bris believes he is hesitant to move Patrick Roberts to the left side, despite the club’s recurrent injury

worries at that position, because it would detract from the team’s overall performance.

Eliezer Mayenda has performed admirably in that role, which is entirely new to him since Tommy Watson’s injury.

However, the youngster seemed to like playing on the opposite flank, and Le Bris briefly switched the two wingers

during the 2-1 victory over Norwich City, a move that many fans had hoped to see both before and after Mundle and

Watson were injured.

While Le Bris is certainly willing to do it during games on occasion, he does not see it as a long-term answer.

“I like Patrick as a right winger specifically in that triangle with Trai and Riggy because they are so well connected,” Le Bris noted.

“You can like a player in a specific position but it’s not only the position, it’s the connection with other players. And

when this connection is created, it’s like a gift and you have to keep pushing. For that reason I prefer to have Patrick

in the right triangle with Trai and Riggy because they can create so many things together.”

Mayenda has delighted his head coach with his adaptability, and he will continue there on Boxing Day at Ewood

Park, albeit it is evident that this is not where he will play in the long term.

“Now it’s clear that he has the ability to play on the right side,” Le Bris told reporters.

“He wasn’t convinced previously. As a left winger, he is in his first minutes and must create fresh references while

learning the position. Both positions, striker and right winger, I believe are ready to go; as a left winger, he still needs

to develop many aspects, but he has great potential.

“There are diverse personalities in the dressing room, and Eliezer has high expectations. He finds it tough to handle

his blunders, but he wants to learn, which is the greatest approach to progress.

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