Sunderland may not have made the strongest start to the 2026/27 Premier League campaign on paper, but the bigger picture suggests there are plenty of positives for Regis Le Bris and his side.
After five league matches, Sunderland have recorded just one victory and collected four points, while suffering defeats in their last two games. However, results alone do not tell the full story of their opening chapter.
Following the dramatic 5-3 loss to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, Le Bris said he was “really proud” of his players after they competed fiercely against Pep Guardiola’s side. That performance came shortly after another determined display against Arsenal at the Stadium of Light.
Despite coming away from both matches empty-handed, Sunderland have continued to demonstrate impressive unity, character and resilience.
At the centre of that has been captain Granit Xhaka, who remains one of the most influential figures in Le Bris’ team.
How Xhaka became one of Sunderland’s biggest stars
Xhaka played a huge role in Sunderland establishing themselves in the Premier League last season. His leadership and experience proved vital as the Black Cats recovered from years of decline and began looking upwards again.
Wayne Rooney even described the former Arsenal midfielder as “the signing of the season” in the Premier League last year, highlighting his importance to Sunderland’s impressive campaign and their push towards European football.
The 33-year-old has shown few signs of slowing down and has started the new season in impressive fashion. While his aggressive defensive qualities remain an important part of his game, Xhaka has also taken on greater creative responsibility.
His statistics demonstrate that change.
Last season, Xhaka averaged 67.5 touches and 44.5 accurate passes per 90 minutes, with an 84% passing accuracy. This season, those figures have risen to 75.6 touches and 51.2 accurate passes per game, while his passing accuracy has improved to 87%.
His key passes have also increased significantly, from 1.0 per 90 minutes to 2.6, while he is averaging more successful dribbles, ball recoveries and duels won.
There is little doubt that Xhaka has established himself as an outstanding captain for Sunderland and one of the club’s most important players since the days of Kevin Phillips.
However, one of his teammates is beginning to make a serious case for a similar level of status.
Le Fee emerging as Sunderland’s next superstar
Phillips remains one of Sunderland’s greatest Premier League icons, having scored 121 goals in 227 appearances for the club.
But as Sunderland continue to progress under Le Bris, the current generation is beginning to produce players who could eventually challenge for legendary status themselves.
Xhaka is certainly one candidate, but Enzo Le Fee is another player increasingly capable of becoming the defining star of Sunderland’s current era.
The French midfielder recently committed his future to Sunderland, signing a contract extension that will keep him at the Stadium of Light until 2031.
Le Fee has quickly become a crucial component of Le Bris’ midfield. Last season, he created 13 big chances in the Premier League, more than any other Sunderland player.
His influence has grown further at the beginning of the new campaign, with the 26-year-old taking on an even more central role within Le Bris’ tactical system. He is also averaging around five duels won per match.
Football analyst Jacob Horsfall recently praised Le Fee’s performances, describing the midfielder as someone who “can do absolutely everything and anything” while displaying an exceptionally high level of intelligence in his decision-making.
His development is unlikely to go unnoticed, particularly with his new long-term contract providing Sunderland with greater protection should major clubs eventually show interest.
There could even be international recognition ahead if Le Fee continues performing at this level. His combination of technical ability, intelligence and work rate gives him the tools to become an important player at the highest level.
At his best, Le Fee has already shown flashes of genuine top-class quality, and with plenty of his career still ahead of him, he has an opportunity to build a legacy at Sunderland that could eventually surpass even Xhaka’s influence.
For now, however, Xhaka and Le Fee remain key figures in a Sunderland side with plenty to look forward to.
Their European adventure has also started positively, with Le Fee scoring the decisive penalty in Sunderland’s victory over AZ Alkmaar, giving the club an encouraging start to their campaign.