Match Day Thread Sunderland AFC v Rayo Vallecano - Sunday 10th August 2025 - KO 16:30

This.

 

Seagulls were getting dangerously close to us at times, respect their boldness. Had to keep an eye on them more than the match.
Actually thought the midfield three did okay, and tuterov looked a handful when he came on. Was really impressed the way Rayo knocked it around, tidy team

 

Is the general consensus that Enzo isn’t good enough for our starting 11…. Personally I find that incredible… the lad is a genius… I for one hope he starts against West Ham

 

Not that he isnt good enough but that maybe Sadiki deserves to start the season

We have 4 incredible CM options imo - tbh if Neil plays to his ability then he's a great 5th option and Rigg is an unreal talent

It's such a strong position in the team

I do think we need to strengthen out wide tho, need more game changes on the bench

 

I would like to see him start however in place of who maybe on the left
Move adingra to the right
And place talbi on the bench could be an option

 

mentioned how second half of last season was tough not just physically but on a personal level too

We all knew he was playing short of fitness because of injuries but clearly had something else going on too

Hopefully he plays to his best could be massive for us in the prem

 

the only good sign.

 

a total lack of commitment from everyone except Tuiterov, a bit from Dan Neil and a bit more from Paddy than Neil. We watched them come in to the ground from the bus and I said to the lad that not one of them who started seemed interested. It was more evident in the warm up for me. There's a s**t load of work and recruitment still to do imo.

 

Enso is a fantastic player but not one that can dominate a midfield by himself But having watched him pre season he absolutely thrives supported by the new lads we have brought in Along with Rigg and Neil I think we have real potential in midfield

 

Not seen the match today. For those that did, or those that saw under 21's last season. What is the level we should be hoping for, for Tuiterov's loan?

 

On the evidence so far we should play our four premiership midfield players in a "box" or "diamond", and shape and build a team to suit. 4/4/2 is my solution .

 

That could work but it's a squad game so I'm fine with us playing 3 CMs then rotating it. I don't like trying to force players into a system

Le fee will play loads this season, sadiki will suit some games more than Le Fee and vice versa. I think Diarra and Xhaka will play the most minutes as feel they are a different level in terms of mixing technical and physical ability

 

Fluid box sounds like our lass after I've been there

 

Well ladies and gentleman that is it 5 more sleeps until our first premier league game in what feels like forever. I absolutely can't wait. Yes it is going to be difficult at times but I honestly think we will scrape it and survive.

 

I love Le Fee but Sadiki has been good in pre-season and I think it would work better with Xhaka/Sadiki/Diarra on Saturday.

 

Unbelievable we are even thinking about using Enzo as a sub. Just shows how far we have moved on since promotion.

 

Nice having options in midfield, just need that in defence and in attack