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

Early pre-season has highlighted positives for Sunderland, with Chris Rigg, Enzo Le Fée and Timur Tutierov impressing, while Leo Hjelde and Melker Ellborg have had trickier starts.

According to Sunderland Echo, it is only pre-season and the squad is incomplete, yet outings against York City and Liverpool in Nashville offered pointers.

Rigg scored at York, then delivered a composed first half against Liverpool, looking stronger on the ball and more assured deeper in midfield. He is dovetailing with Le Fée.

Le Fée has three goals in two friendlies, including a curler to level against Liverpool.

Tutierov has three goal contributions from two games and has backed a new contract with lively displays. A loan could still be considered, though Europa League and domestic cups may alter the equation.

Hjelde felt knee discomfort at York and, while he returned against Liverpool, he has yet to convince at Premier League level. Left-footed and able to cover centre-back and left-back, he still has work to do to enter Le Bris’ plans.

Ellborg has not looked fully comfortable with the ball at his feet, though that should not prompt sweeping conclusions. He had a brief Premier League run last season, featuring in away wins at Leeds United and Newcastle United.

Tom Proctor, the youngest used so far, scored at York and was lively from the bench against Liverpool.

These calls are provisional and could shift after Wrexham and Leeds United stateside, then Rennes and Lens back in Europe.

Source: Sunderland Echo