REGIS LE BRIS feels Enzo Le Fee is the “X-factor” player that make a crucial difference in Sunderland’s promotion push.
Le Fee starred once again this evening as the Black Cats kept up the pressure on the Championship’s top three with a 2-0 win over Luton Town.
The French midfielder, who joined Sunderland in a January loan move from Roma, scored his side’s opener as he curled into the bottom corner at the Stadium of Light.
He had a hand in his side’s second goal, playing the pass that Luton midfielder Lamine Fanne inadvertently diverted to Wilson Isidor, and gave Hatters full-back Reuell Walters a torrid time with a series of flicks and tricks down the left flank.
“I think we had good control,” said Le Bris. “We were mature in that game. That is very important because it was a new challenge against a team that can be dominant in the air, with many set-pieces and direct plays.
“I thought we were good in that part of the game, we were dominant. After that, it was a question of disturbing their mid-low block to create chances. In that situation, we needed an X-factor, and so it was important to have a player like Enzo today, to make the difference.”
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Le Bris changed his defence in the wake of Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Watford, bringing in Dan Ballard for Chris Mepham.
Ballard’s stature was a factor in his recall, with Luton skipper Carlton Morris offering a physical challenge as he led the visitors’ attack, although Le Bris has suggested he will chopping and changing his starting side with increased regularity in the remainder of the season to ensure everyone remains fresh.
The Black Cats boss was delighted with Ballard’s performance as Sunderland kept their first clean sheet in four games, with the centre-half producing a polished display.
“That (Ballard’s physicality) was a good reason (for his return to the side), but at the same time, he was ready to play and, in that part of the squad, we have a bit more depth now,” said Le Bris. “So it is possible to manage different players according to the challenge we have.
“He worked very well behind the scenes, even though he didn’t play so much in the last few games. He was ready and today he showed his good qualities.”
