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

Chris Rigg, Enzo Le Fée and Timur Tutierov have set the pace for Sunderland’s pre-season, while Leo Hjelde and Melker Ellborg have more to show.

According to Sunderland Echo, these are early reads with fitness building and the squad incomplete. The assessments follow friendlies against York City and Liverpool in Nashville.

Rigg, 19, scored at York then impressed in the first half against Liverpool, stronger on the ball and comfortable deeper. He is dovetailing smartly with Le Fée. The Frenchman has been influential at number 10 and produced a superb equaliser against Liverpool.

Tutierov already has three goal contributions and has backed up his new contract with end product. A further loan could still suit him, though Europa League and cups may alter that call. Young striker Tom Proctor scored at York and brought energy off the bench against Liverpool.

Hjelde suffered knee discomfort at York and returned against Liverpool, but he has not convinced yet. His left foot and positional flexibility help registration, yet he must prove reliability. Ellborg has been uncertain with the ball at his feet, though last season included big away wins at Leeds United and Newcastle United.

Snap judgements rarely last in July. The picture could shift after Wrexham and Leeds United in the United States, then Rennes and Lens back in Europe.

Source: Sunderland Echo