{"id":263216,"date":"2026-09-18T07:11:11","date_gmt":"2026-09-18T07:11:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/09\/18\/forget-le-fee-why-sunderland-star-is-becoming-le-bris-most-crucial-player\/"},"modified":"2026-09-18T07:11:11","modified_gmt":"2026-09-18T07:11:11","slug":"forget-le-fee-why-sunderland-star-is-becoming-le-bris-most-crucial-player","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/09\/18\/forget-le-fee-why-sunderland-star-is-becoming-le-bris-most-crucial-player\/","title":{"rendered":"Forget Le Fee: Why Sunderland star is becoming Le Bris’ most crucial player"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

\n

For the first time in a generation, Sunderland<\/a> supporters were able to witness their beloved side competing in a European encounter earlier this week.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The atmosphere, occasion and passion were off the charts at the Stadium of Light, which no doubt was reflected in the performance delivered by Regis Le Bris<\/a>\u2019 men.<\/p>\n

The Black Cats secured a 1-0 victory over Dutch side AZ Alkmaar on Wednesday night and kick-started their Europa League campaign in the best fashion possible.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n <\/picture>REUTERS\/Lee Smith<\/small><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Such a result will give the fans the belief they could go all the way and win such a competition this term, but if they are to do so, one player will have to ensure he remains on top form.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n Why Le Fee is crucial in Sunderland’s attempts to claim European glory<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n

Enzo Le Fee is one of the few players within the Sunderland senior ranks who possesses key European experience prior to their move to the Stadium of Light.<\/p>\n

The Frenchman, who joined from Roma in January 2025, previously featured in such a competition during his time in Italy and even for homeland club Rennes in 2023\/24.<\/p>\n

\n
\n \"sunderland-enzo-le-fee\"\n <\/picture>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

His showing in the North East on Wednesday night was one full of quality, as the 26-year-old led Le Bris\u2019 men to a memorable victory during the first game of the European campaign.<\/p>\n

Le Fee was tasked with the responsibility of tucking home a penalty after being fouled in the box, and he made amends for his miss against Arsenal to net the only goal of the encounter.<\/p>\n

The attacking midfielder\u2019s underlying stats also showcase his quality within forward areas, as he often provided the biggest amount of quality from any player in the Black Cats ranks.<\/p>\n

He managed to create four chances during his 90-minute showing earlier this week, subsequently registering more than any other player who started for the hosts.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Enzo Le Fee vs AZ Alkmaar<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

\n

Statistics<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Tally<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Minutes played<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

90′<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Goals<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Touches<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

59<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Shots on target<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

2<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Chances created<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

4<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Crosses completed<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

2<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Dribbles completed<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

4<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Ball recoveries<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Duels won<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

12<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n

The forward also managed to complete 100% of the dribbles he attempted, whilst winning 80% of his ground duels – which highlights his incredible talent at both ends of the pitch.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n Why Sunderland\u2019s 9\/10 signing is becoming more important than Le Fee<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n

There\u2019s no denying that Sunderland have pulled off some remarkable pieces of transfer business since returning to the Premier League, which no doubt aided the success endured last season.<\/p>\n

Granit Xhaka\u2019s arrival from Bayer Leverkusen was arguably the most eye-catching deal, with the Swiss international providing needed quality and experience to cope with the demands of the Premier League.<\/p>\n