Six Sunderland pre-season lessons and what they could mean for 2026/27 | OneFootball

Sunderland’s 4-2 loss to Liverpool in Nashville offered fresh pointers for 2026/27 as Le Bris’s pre-season plans begin to take shape.

Sunderland Echo highlights six early lessons as the US tour moves to New Jersey and a meeting with Leeds United.

Chris Rigg has excelled centrally, scoring at York then impressing with Enzo Le Fée. The number-eight role suits him and he is pushing for minutes despite Xhaka, Diarra and Sadiki returning.

Teenage forward Tom Proctor, the youngest tourist, has been a lively surprise. He scored at York, pressed well against Liverpool and looked unfazed, even if physical development remains.

Dan Ballard’s return is a major boost. After months out he played 45 minutes against Liverpool and, when fit, is arguably Sunderland’s best centre-back. Managing his load is vital with Europe ahead, and his presence lets Nordi Mukiele cover right-back.

Enzo Le Fée’s central form that drove last season’s finish appears intact. He keeps arriving in dangerous areas, has three in two, and penalty duty means he could reach double figures.

A right winger is probably the priority to add consistent 1-v-1 threat, though Trai Hume is a viable option there with Mukiele, as shown against an inexperienced Liverpool XI. Reinildo has started solidly, but limited cover on his flank is a concern, making reinforcement in his position another key task for Florent Ghisolfi.

Source: Sunderland Echo