Sunderland moments missed vs Liverpool: Kevin Keegan tribute, Nordi Mukiele scare and transfer clue | OneFootball

Sunderland stepped up their pre-season against Liverpool in Nashville, losing 4-2 in a game centred on fitness and rhythm rather than the scoreline. Sunderland Echo notes that Régis Le Bris sought tactical progress and selection clues as much as minutes.

Le Bris named a strong XI as Wilson Isidor, Dan Ballard and Romaine Mundle made first summer starts. Isidor replaced Trey Ogunsuyi, Mundle returned after two serious hamstring injuries, and Ballard’s comeback from ankle surgery saw Nordi Mukiele at right-back and Trai Hume again on the right wing. Jocelin Ta Bi was absent after a visa rejection, with an appeal unresolved.

Liverpool started former Sunderland academy midfielder James McConnell. Harvey Elliott, 23, also featured, having been loosely linked with a move to Wearside this summer, with Leeds United, Crystal Palace and Coventry City also credited, and he was expected to be given a pre-season chance by the new head coach.

A warm tribute to Kevin Keegan preceded kick-off at Geodis Park, applause followed by a perfectly observed minute’s silence. Early on, Mukiele appeared to take an Achilles knock from Kostas Tsimikas but continued without obvious restriction.

Enzo Le Fée levelled before the break with a superb strike to make it 1-1. Le Bris then changed all outfielders at half-time, Melker Ellborg staying on before Simon Moore came on later. Timur Tutierov quickly put Sunderland 2-1 up, but Federico Chiesa, Dominik Szoboszlai and Lewis Koumas sealed Liverpool’s 4-2 win, the young Sunderland side finding it tough late on.

Source: Sunderland Echo