Chemsdine Talbi nomination shows just where his best position is for Sunderland
Chemsdine Talbi’s sensational strike against Burnley has been nominated for the Premier League Goal of the Month.
The Moroccan sealed a 3-0 win against the Clarets at the start of February, with an absolute rocket from distance.
At 20, Talbi has been undergoing an adaptation season in the Premier League, as Sunderland’s mix of youth and experience have settled into top-flight life seamlessly.
Regis Le Bris has continued to utilise the youngster in multiple positions across the frontline, though his strike at the top of last month shows exactly where he should be playing.
Chemsdine Talbi is versatile – but is more effective on the left
Since his arrival from Club Brugge last summer, Talbi has played on both the right and left flanks at the Stadium of Light – often accommodating for Enzo Le Fee out on the left.
With a fantastic work rate to match the supreme talents with the ball at his feet, he has proven a fantastic addition for the Black Cats, despite his numbers not yet skyrocketing.
Across his 21 appearances in the league, Talbi has featured on the right 15 times, scoring once and registering two assists from this side.
Though the point is to be made that both on the eye and in terms of numbers, the Moroccan is simply much more impactful on the left-hand side.
Regis Le Bris faces tactical conundrum involving Enzo Le Fee
Scoring against both Burnley and Liverpool from the left, Talbi is much more effective in front of goal, but also when it comes to his overall game too.
Completing 52 per cent of his dribbles per 90, the winger is someone not afraid to take his man on.
Starting on the left in particular gives him much more of a chance of not just beating his man, but also using his strong right foot in the process – as seen with his goal against Burnley.
Being able to stand his opposite number up, before either letting fly with a strike or cross, is typical of a winger carrying Talbi’s abilities.
Playing him on the right simply takes away this part of his game. The only problem: Enzo Le Fee.
For large parts of this season, the Frenchman has operated out on the left, allowing him to have free rein when cutting into the middle of the park – something that Talbi is fantastic at doing when operating out wide.
The problem is that Le Fee offers too much in terms of tempo control to drop, while a midfield role will be hard to come by given the form of Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra, alongside Granit Xhaka’s return.
When Talbi plays, it often means he is restricted out on the right as a result.
He has proven that he is more comfortable and impactful on the opposite flank, but the Moroccan may have to remain patient while he waits for more regular opportunities out there.
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