There is one player that must be utilised by Regis Le Bris in Sunderland’s opening Championship game.
Sunderland are gearing up for their first Championship fixture, and have done so by impressively keeping all key players in-and-around the club at the Stadium of Light, despite an unsatisfactory 2023/24 campaign, where they finished 16th.
The Black Cats have now had a full pre-season behind them, which was incredibly eye-opening for several reasons, from new boss Regis Le Bris being able to successfully get his tactics across the side, to his desire to cut down on his squad, which saw the likes of Luis Hemir casted out for a few pre-season fixtures.
As for incomings, Sunderland made significant progress in bringing Championship experience through the door, something that must be prioritised when Le Bris decides his starting 11 for the opening game.
With it being clear that experience will be crucial in the side, there is one player that needs to start for Le Bris’ side against Cardiff City.
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Regis Le Bris must start Sunderland midfielder Alan Browne against Cardiff City
Sunderland’s strength in midfield undoubtedly comes from their depth in the position, giving Le Bris a selection headache ahead of the Championship opening fixture.
Dan Neil is almost certainly set to be named as part of the side after he picked up the role of team captain, as will Jobe Bellingham.
Chris Rigg has impressed during pre-season and looks to be a key player for Sunderland this season, however Le Bris must turn towards Championship experience against Cardiff City, with former Preston North End midfielder Alan Browne fitting the bill.
Experience will be crucial for Sunderland this season
Following last season’s near-disastrous run of games in the second stanza of the season, there is no doubt that pressure will be felt amongst the Sunderland ranks to bounce back from that low.
Whilst Rigg undoubtedly has the quality to play at this level, as well as incredible maturity for a player that is 17-years-old, Browne will be crucial in being a leader alongside Neil.
The new club captain may also massively benefit from having Browne next to him, who captained Preston North End for several seasons in the Championship, and was given a ‘fantastic’ verdict by his former boss Ryan Lowe, per Lancashire Post.
It will be Browne’s 10th consecutive season in the Championship, and there will be no doubt that he will be the one to calm down the side if heads drop, or things don’t initially go their way. There needs to be assurance that mentality doesn’t deplete again like last season, and a model professional such as Browne in the centre-of-the-park will help that.