James Copley: Timur Tutierov gives Régis Le Bris food for thought but one Sunderland decision hints at Bournemouth plans
Timur Tutierov impressed on his first Sunderland start, but another decision from Régis Le Bris stood out ahead of Bournemouth.
On another night, Timur Tutierov could have walked away from Portugal with a hat-trick. That might sound generous, but I thought the Ukrainian gave a really good account of himself on his first senior Sunderland start.
I loved his energy. Centre-forward isn't his natural position, yet he got himself into good areas and earned a couple of early chances simply by anticipating where the ball might fall. Some excellent Torreense defending denied him, and I still don't think his disallowed first-half goal should have been chalked off for Omar Alderete's foul.
What impressed me just as much was his pressing. It was intelligent, not just enthusiastic. He didn't charge down blind alleys or chase defenders for the sake of looking busy. He picked his moments, made life awkward for opponents and gave Sunderland something different up front.
There had been signs during pre-season. He scored against Liverpool and York City, taking the opportunities afforded to him and making a case for further involvement. His attacking contribution wasn't limited to finishing chances, either; he was willing to link play and help create openings for others.
I've watched Tutierov regularly for Sunderland's U21s over the years, and he's a down-to-earth lad. There's nothing flash or egotistical about him. After games, I've often seen him greeted by someone I believe is his mother. It's a small thing, but it has always stuck with me. His last league start was in League One during his loan at Exeter City, where he scored three times and supplied an assist in 17 appearances. Now he's started a European fixture for Sunderland. It's an incredible story and another massive tick in the box for the academy and the opportunities being created for its players.
Could he now start against Bournemouth if Brian Brobbey isn't ready? It's a fair question, although that would be an enormous ask given the physical demands and quality of Premier League opposition. Tutierov isn't Brobbey or Wilson Isidor. He's still developing, and I suspect his longer-term route into the first team may be on the wing rather than through the middle. One encouraging European start doesn't automatically make him a Premier League centre-forward.
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But Le Bris left him on for the full 96 minutes, even while Sunderland chased the game, and resisted turning to Brobbey from the bench. To me, that suggests the Dutchman was being protected with Bournemouth in mind, potentially to start against the Cherries if he's fit enough. Whatever happens next, Tutierov can be proud. He took his opportunity, showed courage and intelligence, and helped Sunderland through a difficult night. Wherever his career takes him, that first European start is his to keep.
That matters because young players rarely get a perfect introduction. He was asked to lead the line away from home, in a rotated side that struggled for rhythm, with Sunderland trailing at half-time. None of that was particularly comfortable. He didn't hide, didn't let missed chances affect his work and remained involved right until the final whistle sounded.
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