Six things we learned from Sunderland’s pre-season and what they mean for 2026/27 | OneFootball

Sunderland’s pre-season tour rolled on with a 4-2 defeat to Liverpool in Nashville. Next up is New Jersey and Leeds United, and six clear lessons are emerging.

Sunderland Echo notes that Chris Rigg has looked at home in central midfield. He scored against York, then impressed alongside Enzo Le Fée against Liverpool, and despite competition from Xhaka, Diarra and Sadiki, he is pushing for minutes under Le Bris.

Teenage forward Tom Proctor has been a welcome surprise. The youngest tourist struck at York and pressed with purpose in a bright cameo against Liverpool, with raw talent evident despite natural physical development still to come.

The return of Dan Ballard is a major boost. After months out he completed 45 minutes in Nashville, and with Alderete, Mukiele and O’Nien also in the mix and Europe adding fixtures, the priority is to build his load sensibly while keeping Mukiele available to cover right-back.

Le Fée’s central form has carried over. He keeps finding advanced positions, has three goals in the first two games and, if he remains on penalties, could chase double figures.

Recruitment remains focused on a right winger to add one v one threat on both flanks. Even so, Hume wide right was a viable tactical ploy against an inexperienced Liverpool XI, allowing Mukiele to advance and limiting Rio Ngumoha.

Reinildo has started solidly, recovering after not doing enough for Liverpool’s opener. Lack of natural cover at left-back is a concern, and after a right-sided addition, strengthening that spot is a key task for Florent Ghisolfi.

Source: Sunderland Echo