We all know deep down pre-season means very little in the grand scheme of things, but it’s always nice to see the players back in the red and white – or the pink, as it was on this occasion – and show some promise for the season ahead. Despite the score line, there was a lot to get excited about in Nashville. Here’s our key talking points from the game.
Enzo magic – Le Fee’s hit the ground running
There’s only one place to start really – and that’s Enzo’s goal. Last season I was critical of our hesitation in having a go from outside the box, but in last week’s friendly at York and last night in the States, we showed a willingness to take those opportunities on. And what a goal it was from Enzo Le Fee to open our account. The good work was started by Chris Rigg, who won the ball and played a lovely through ball to Le Fee – Isidor’s run across the defence created space and Enzo rocketed it home. We know this boy is special, and I think he’s in for an excellent season – he’s sharp, he’s full of confidence, and he’s got bags of ability.
Sunderland’s French midfielder #28 Enzo Le Fee shoots to score his team’s first goal during the friendly football match between Liverpool and Sunderland at GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee, on July 25, 2026. (Photo by TIM VIZER / AFP via Getty Images)
Bulked up Rigg looks the part centrally
It’s a big season for Chris Rigg, and he’s another who’s come back with the bit between their teeth. He’s got loads of competition in the centre, but he’s got a couple of weeks on Xhaka, Sadiki and Diarra, and he’s making a real case for a starting place. He’s been doing extra training over the summer, and in the nicest possible way he has come back looking like a man, rather than a boy. Rigg was excellent in the first half, and he’s going to make it difficult for the manager to leave him out. On a podcast last season I did suggest the club may see Rigg as Granit Xhaka’s long term replacement, and while it may not immediately make sense to some, I still think there’s a possibility that’s the case.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JULY 25: Chris Rigg #11 of Sunderland reacts to the ref during the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Sunderland AFC at GEODIS Park on July 25, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andrew J. Clark/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Does Alan Browne have a future with us?
There’s an interesting decision ahead for Alan Browne – does he want another season in the championship, or does he want to be a bit part player for Sunderland in Europe? When everyone’s fit, he’s not going to get into the first XI – I don’t think it’s unkind to say that – but he can do a job, and in the cups his presence and experience could be very useful. Browne did well against Liverpool in a deeper role, and while it’s going to be a side story during the summer, it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if he decided, at 31, that there’s more appeal being part of the Sunderland squad this season than being a regular a tier down.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JULY 25: Alan Browne #8 of Sunderland AFC and James McConnell #53 of Liverpool FC battle for the ball during the first half of the pre-season friendly match at GEODIS Park on July 25, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)
Strongest team first half led to second half struggles
Liverpool and Sunderland took different approaches to the game – we played our strongest team in the first 45 and a team of mainly youth players in the second, while Liverpool mixed and matched, turning out a stronger team in the second 45. While both approaches have their merits, it led to the game playing out in a predictable way, while Sunderland dominating much of the first half, and Liverpool dominating much of the second. While only four or five of the team we started with will likely start against Ipswich four weeks from now, it was a good line up – and I can’t help but thinking the likes of Jenson Jones, for example, who the club have high hopes for, would have been better served playing alongside the likes of Reinildo, Ballard and Mukiele, rather than playing instead of them.
Sunderland’s English defender #48 Jenson Jones (L) blocks a shot on goal by Liverpool’s English defender #48 Calum Scanlon during the friendly football match between Liverpool and Sunderland at GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee, on July 25, 2026. (Photo by TIM VIZER / AFP via Getty Images)
Tutierov takes his chance
This young lad has been around the club for a little while now, but showed again he’s a threat and can get on the scoresheet, following up his stunner at York with a simpler goal against Liverpool. In fairness, he didn’t get too involved in the game as Liverpool dominated the second 45, but scoring goals guarantees attention, and with a bigger squad needed next season, he’s looking like someone who’s worth having on the bench, given his eye for goal.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JULY 25: Timur Tutierov #57 of Sunderland celebrates a goal during the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Sunderland AFC at GEODIS Park on July 25, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andrew J. Clark/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)