Sunderland pre-season winners and losers as Melker Ellborg and Leo Hjelde endure difficult starts | OneFootball

Early pre-season signs have favoured Chris Rigg, Enzo Le Fée, Timur Tutierov and Tom Proctor, while Leo Hjelde and Melker Ellborg have more to prove.

According to Sunderland Echo, these are tentative takeaways from friendlies against York City and Liverpool in Nashville, with fitness still building and the squad not yet complete.

Rigg, 19, scored at York then impressed in the first half against Liverpool, looking stronger on the ball and increasingly assured in a deeper role alongside Le Fée. Competition will intensify when Granit Xhaka, Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki return, but he has set the tone.

Le Fée has three goals in two appearances, including a fine equaliser versus Liverpool. Operating at number 10, he finds space, dictates tempo and has started his push to score more this season.

Tutierov has three goal involvements from two games after earning a new deal. A loan could still suit his development given wide competition, though Europa League and domestic cup football may alter that calculation for Le Bris.

Hjelde, who felt knee discomfort at York, returned against Liverpool but has not convinced yet. Left-footed and positionally versatile, he still faces a battle to win Le Bris’ trust at the required level.

Ellborg has looked shaky with the ball at his feet but previously proved himself in notable away wins at Leeds United and Newcastle United. It may be rhythm after a break, and Sunderland will hope Nashville was only a slow start.

Proctor, the youngest used, scored at York and was lively against Liverpool. The raw talent is clear, and he has given the academy and Le Bris something to ponder before Wrexham and Leeds United, then Rennes and Lens.

Source: Sunderland Echo