How Sunderland’s smart recruitment has bolstered Le Bris’s counter-attacking system

By James Harwood

The Black Cats have added a blend of youth and experience that slots perfectly into Régis Le Bris’s high-speed, transition-based style of play.

The past two Premier League seasons have seen all three promoted sides relegated, but since their return to the top flight in May, Sunderland has built a squad perfectly suited for survival.

In their season opener, Le Bris’s side swept past West Ham 3-0 despite averaging just 36.8% possession, showing their readiness to concede the ball and strike on the break.

Seven of their ten new signings, including captain Granit Xhaka, featured in the game.

Sunderland sets up in a 4-4-2 formation but often shifts to a 4-3-3 when they have possession, relying on quick transitions to create goal-scoring opportunities.

They led the Championship in fast breaks last season, registering 50 and scoring from nine.

This summer’s signings will be crucial to sustaining that style in the Premier League, providing pace and technical quality to execute fast attacks.

Left winger Simon Adingra (23, Brighton) adds much-needed Premier League experience, while Chemsdine Talbi (20, Club Brugge) on the opposite flank is similarly exciting, having led Belgian football last season for carries into the penalty area per 90 minutes.

Le Bris looks to create triangles using the fullback, winger, and number 8s. As Forward Eliezer Mayenda says, “Triangles are the basis of everything we do. It’s all about finding the right triangles.”

New midfield additions Habib Diarra (21, Strasbourg) and Noah Sadiki (20, Union SG) bring youth and energy to support these triangles in transition.

Courtesy The Athletic

Courtesy The Athletic

The signing of Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen raised eyebrows this summer, bringing with him a wealth of European experience.

The Swiss internationals' quality at the base of midfield will be key to Le Bris's system if they are to avoid relegation this season.

When joining Sunderland, Le Bris said he wants “fast attacks, six, seven, eight passes to reach the goal.”

Last season, in the Bundesliga, only two players played more progressive passes than Xhaka (203), and only eight players registered more assists in open play (seven).

For a counter-attacking side, a midfielder who can turn defence into attack with a single pass may prove decisive in the battle for survival.

Defensively, the Black Cats have taken a different approach, prioritising experience and European pedigree.

Signing fullbacks, Nordi Mukiele (26, PSG), Reinildo Mandava (31, Atlético Madrid), and centre half Omar Alderete (28, Getafe).

An experienced and disciplined defence will be essential for withstanding prolonged periods without possession.