Sunderland's strongest starting XI if Regis Le Bris has a full squad
Regis Le Bris is facing some big calls as Sunderland look to impress in several competitions this season.
Sunderland took a measured approach to the summer transfer window as the Black Cats hierarchy looked to boost Regis Le Bris squad in preparation for one of the most exciting seasons in the club’s long and proud history.
A seventh place finish in their first season back in the Premier League for just under a decade secured a spot in this season’s Europa League and we now know Sunderland will face the likes of AZ Alkmaar, Dinamo Zagreb and Serie A giants AC Milan as they enter the competition for the first time in their history.
Adding further European experience was high on the agenda and that came in the form of a two-year deal for Belgium international Thomas Meunier became the first signing of the summer following his departure from Ligue 1 club Lille. The Black Cats enhanced Le Bris’ options on the opposite side of his defence when Dayaan Methalie arrived from Toulouse before a reported £10m deal for Royal Antwerp’s highly-rated midfielder Jules Ahoka was completed as the final week of the window arrived.
Sunderland’s transfer activity continued into the final hours of the window last week when they fought off competition from Premier League rivals Crystal Palace to secure a potential club record deal for Lyon’s Belgium international winger Malick Fofana. There was to be one further shock deal that was announced after the 11pm deadline as Ecuador youth international Juan Riquelme Angulo became the fifth and final new arrival of the summer.
But what now for Le Bris and who would make his strongest starting eleven? The Black Cats boss faces some tough calls as he manages his squad in a bid to progress in a number of competitions this season - but who could make his strongest side if everyone is fit and available?
Sunderland’s strongest starting XI when everyone is fit and available
GK: Robin Roefs RB: Nordi Mukiele CB: Kevin Danso CB: Dan Ballard LB: Reinildo Mandava CM: Granit Xhaka CM: Noah Sadiki RW: Habib Diarra AMC: Enzo Le Fee LW: Malick Fofana ST: Brian Brobbey