REGIS LE BRIS believes Enzo Le Fee is the “X-factor” who can make a significant impact in Sunderland’s promotion campaign.
Le Fee led the Black Cats to a 2-0 win over Luton Town, maintaining their pressure on the Championship’s top three.
The French midfielder, who joined Sunderland on loan from Roma in January, scored his team’s opening goal at the Stadium of Light.
He contributed to his team’s second goal by playing the pass that Luton midfielder Lamine Fanne unintentionally redirected to Wilson Isidor, and he tormented Hatters full-back Reuell Walters with a series of flicks and tricks down the left wing.
“I think we had good control,” stated Le Bris. “We were mature during that game. This is significant because it was a new test against a side that can be dominant in the air, with numerous set pieces and straight plays.
“I think we were good at that stage of the game, and we were dominant. After that, it was a matter of disrupting their mid-low block to create opportunities. In that situation, we needed an X-factor, so having a guy like Enzo today made a huge difference.”
Following Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Watford, Le Bris altered his defence, replacing Chris Mepham with Dan Ballard.
Ballard’s stature was a factor in his recall, with Luton captain Carlton Morris providing a physical challenge as he led the visitors’ attack, though Le Bris has indicated that he will chop and change his starting lineup more frequently in the remainder of the season to keep everyone fresh.
The Black Cats manager was pleased with Ballard’s performance as Sunderland maintained their first clean sheet in four games, with the centre-back putting on a polished showing.
“That (Ballard’s physicality) was a good reason (for his return to the side), but at the same time, he was ready to play and, in that part of the squad, we have a bit more depth now,” says Le Bris. “So it is feasible to manage different players according on the challenge we face.
“He worked extremely hard behind the scenes, even if he didn’t play much in the final few games. He was prepared, and today he demonstrated his good abilities.”
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