Sunderland pre-season winners and losers as Chris Rigg shines and two players struggle | OneFootball

Chris Rigg has been the standout of Sunderland’s early pre-season, with Enzo Le Fée and Timur Tutierov also catching the eye, while Leo Hjelde and Melker Ellborg have more to prove after friendlies against York City and Liverpool.

It remains only pre-season, with fitness building and the squad incomplete. Sunderland Echo notes that early verdicts could shift over the coming weeks.

Rigg, 19, scored at York then delivered a strong first half against Liverpool in Nashville, looking more robust and assured in a deeper midfield role. His understanding with Le Fée is growing, though competition will sharpen when Granit Xhaka, Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki return.

Le Fée has three goals in two games and the quality of the finishing has stood out. Playing as a number ten, he finds space, controls tempo and lifted Sunderland with a superb curling equaliser against Liverpool.

Tutierov has three goal contributions across the two fixtures after signing a new contract, a timely response to uncertainty over his future. A loan could still aid development given wide competition, though Europa League and domestic cups may alter that equation.

Hjelde felt knee discomfort at York and, despite a return against Liverpool, has not convinced yet at the level Sunderland now require. Left-footed and versatile, he still faces a battle to force his way into Le Bris’ plans.

Ellborg has been unconvincing with the ball at his feet so far. Given his Premier League exposure in away wins at Leeds United and Newcastle United, this may simply be rust after a break, and Sunderland will hope Nashville was only a slow start.

Tom Proctor, the youngest used, scored at York and looked lively against Liverpool, pressing with intent and showing smart movement. Two friendlies decide nothing, and the picture could change after Wrexham and Leeds United in the United States, then Rennes and Lens in Europe.

Source: Sunderland Echo