Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris has delivered a detailed analysis of several key members of his squad.
The Black Cats head coach has overseen a remarkable return to life in the Premier League in recent months, guiding his newly promoted side to the relative safety of midtable, and sparking conversations over a possible European qualification bid during the latter stages of the campaign.
Many onlookers had dismissed Sunderland as little more than relegation fodder before a ball had been kicked this term, but in an incredible reversal of expectations, the Black Cats have not only delivered bloody noses to several traditional top flight heavyweights of late, but also remain the only side in the division still yet to lose a match on home soil.
Much of his side’s success has been built on the back of a stunning summer recruitment drive, and during a lengthy chat with Sky Sports, Le Bris has now offered his thoughts on a number of his new recruits, as well as promotion-winning hero Dan Ballard. Here’s everything he had to say...
On Robin Roefs
Focusing first on goalkeeper Robin Roefs, Le Bris explained the pivotal role that the Dutchman has come to fulfil for the Black Cats. He said: "I think the connection between our goalkeeper, our centre-backs, our sixes, is now getting really good. This part of the game gives us control.
"He [Roefs] is key,. It's fair to say that in an efficient team, you need strong players on both sides. I think the goalkeeper and the centre-backs are really important to protect the goal. He's young, without a lot of experience. Often you would say you need an experienced goalkeeper, because this role is really demanding, even psychologically. So he's doing really well. When you give opportunities to young players, you can be surprised. I think it's part of our identity."
On Nordi Mukiele and Omar Alderete
Next, Le Bris turned his attention to defenders Nordi Mukiele and Omar Alderete, both of whom have shone since arriving in England, and who, in the head coach’s opinion, are a credit to the work that Sunderland have put in behind the scenes in recent times.
He said: "It was really efficient for the recruitment staff. With the standards of the Premier League, you need to have a strong physicality. The teamwork is key. The way you defend together is key. Because if you are too exposed, and it's so tough to score goals in this league, you can't win games. So our defence was a key point.
"Those two [Mukiele and Alderete] have this mindset and this physicality, which is really important in the league. When you defend a bit deeper, you have to defend the box really efficiently. So they are good in that part of the pitch. And when we go man for man, they are strong as well. So these two parts of the defensive workflow are really important and they are well connected on that side."
On Dan Ballard
Elsewhere, Le Bris suggested that the aforementioned Ballard has made the step up to the Premier League impressively, but needs to trust in his own ability more. He said: "I'm not sure he knows how strong he is. Quite often he needs a bit more belief and confidence because he's doing really well and he's a key part of our defence."
On Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki
In midfield, Le Bris highlighted the significance of captain Granit Xhaka and fellow summer arrival Noah Sadiki, their outstanding energy levels, and the measure of quality they bring to the centre of the park.
He said: "They want to run! They are good footballers, they are versatile, they have so many good qualities. They have a good profile, they work well together - and they are well connected with the squad. Everything is connected. If you have a weak point, it will influence the whole dynamic."
On Xhaka specifically, he added: "I think it's about ambition, understanding and composure. It's not always something impressive. It's more about consistency - whatever the event, whatever the opponent. So we go away to Chelsea? We can win, if we believe. We are playing at home against a team that struggles at the table? We have to win and stay consistent. It's about managing emotions, events and consistency.
"I wasn't happy at West Ham because after the first goal, the energy was really low,. When the captain is missing, this support, this drive is a bit different. The reaction after the goal, we didn't switch. We stayed in the same mood, even a bit lower. When you have a more experienced player on the pitch, it helps. Granit's like a beacon. You want to follow the light. Against West Ham, probably it wasn't the case."
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On Brian Brobbey
And finally, Le Bris also took some time to reflect on the impact that Brian Brobbey has had at the point of attack for Sunderland, as well as detailing why it was important for the Black Cats to be patient with the striker following his summer move from boyhood club Ajax.
He said: "When you build your squad, it's about different layers. So our foundations are strong defensively and we are good. The final third is the most difficult part. He's a good example of the way of building a new striker. He struggled a bit last season, but he has great potential.
"He started a bit slowly because of different reasons. He's new in this league as well, so he needs to learn. He's talented and he works hard, and after opportunities, support, connection with his teammates, he shows his potential and his qualities. I hope that will be the case for a long time.
"It's about support, consistency and confidence. Riding the wave is really important. And then for a striker, even if you don't do well for one or two games, it's not just: 'Okay, now we switch player, we'll go for another one.' They need consistency, they need support."
"In our mind, the identity of the club, we want to build. We can't buy the top six or top eight clubs. They can buy two or three wingers for £60m. It's not possible for us. We believe that we can start with a young potential player. After that, they need opportunities, they need support, they need time. Sometimes it's a bit longer and you have to accept that because it's not always a quick dynamic."
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