Sunderland fans are still waiting, eagerly, to see deadline day signing Milan Aleksic handed his debut for the Black Cats.
On deadline day of the summer transfer window this year, Sunderland signed four new players, one of which being Milan Aleksic.
Serbian U21s international Aleksic joined Sunderland from Radnicki 1923 in a deal worth around £3.1million, making him the most-expensive signing of the Kyril Louis-Dreyfus era at Sunderland.
But the 19-year-old is yet to make his Sunderland debut. Regis Le Bris has spoken previously about the situation, saying that he’s waiting for the right time to hand Aleksic his debut.
The midfielder was poised to come off the bench in the final minutes of the game against Preston North End earlier in November, but the final whistle blew before he could get on the pitch.
During this month’s international break, Aleksic played 84 minutes for Serbia’s U21s in their 2-1 win against Turkey.
Regis Le Bris shares Milan Aleksic update at Sunderland, uses Tommy Watson example
Speaking to the press on Thursday, Le Bris was asked about the situation regarding Aleksic.
The Frenchman once again explained that it’s a case of waiting for the right opportunity, using Tommy Watson as an example.
Le Bris said: “Sometimes you are waiting for the right opportunity. It was the case for Tommy Watson, for example.
“He waited for maybe, six, seven, eight weeks without opportunities, and now it’s done. He started, probably will start again.
“He got minutes, and experiences, and confidence as well. So for Milan, it’s the [same] case. A talented player for sure.”
Watson, 18, has now featured five times in the Championship this season, making his first league start for the club in the game against Preston.
Milan Aleksic comments proves he will be patient at Sunderland
Aleksic is certainly being made to wait by Le Bris. But given the language difficulties and his inexperience, not only in general but of English football as well, it’s understandable that he’s having to wait.
There’s also some strong competition in the centre of midfield. But the youngster has proved that he’s not one to make a fuss.
Aleksic about his international duties recently, saying: “I think it’s good that we will have a lot of time to get ready for future competitions, because we have enough time to work.
“We are here to work and comply with all the requests of the selectors and the staff.”
Aleksic’s last point certainly seems to prove that he’s someone who’s ready to do whatever’s asked of him by the coaching staff, be it for Serbia or Sunderland.
Right now, what’s asked of Aleksic is that he keeps training hard and being patient. He’ll get his opportunity soon enough, though it might be through injuries or suspensions in midfield.
With Alan Browne sidelined for up to eight weeks now, it bumps Aleksic up in the midfield pecking order.