Chemsdine Talbi’s Sunderland position locked in after Newcastle United scenes
Chemsdine Talbi’s position out on the left flank is in no doubt after Sunderland’s 2-1 derby win against Newcastle United.
The Moroccan has proven versatile since he arrived from Club Brugge last summer, operating on both right and left flanks at the Stadium of Light.
Despite getting on the scoresheet against Newcastle on Sunday, Talbi’s performance was not necessarily anything to write home about – though he showcased just how much more of a threat he looks when deployed from the left.
At 20, Talbi possesses fantastic potential to continue growing with this Sunderland side.
Based on his performances on the left, the debate surrounding his best position looks to certainly be finished.
Chemsdine Talbi threat exemplified on the left flank
Since making the switch following Sunderland’s ascent to the Premier League, the youngster has played on both the right and left flanks, with Enzo Le Fee often operating from the left-hand side.
His numbers have not yet skyrocketed, but he possesses talent with the ball at his feet that is quite simply, much more effective on the left rather than right.
| Stat | Number |
| Appearances (Starts) | 23 (14) |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Dribble success | 48% |
| Pass success | 82% |
| Sofascore rating | 6.64 |
Sunderland mainly looked to play on the break against their rivals on Sunday, limiting Talbi in terms of touches – having registered just 31.
Though he was one of the more effective players on the pitch, having completed 13 out of 17 passes and 11 carries.
His second-half equaliser came somewhat fortuitously following a scramble from a corner, but his shooting ability cutting in from the left was showcased once again, with a superb effort from range drawing Aaron Ramsdale into action via a strike not too dissimilar to his stunner against Burnley in February.
As a more natural winger than Le Fee, Talbi is more comfortable holding the width, while he also possesses the natural ability to drift into the more central zones.
When operating out on the opposite flank, his best attributes are stripped away, with the Moroccan unable to stand up defenders and utilise what is a wand of a right foot – while his impact will only get better as he gains more experience in the Premier League.
Talbi has given Regis Le Bris a no-brainer decision
Moving forward, Talbi simply has to start from the left.
As mentioned, there is room for growth, but it will naturally come with his age in mind. The simple fact of the matter is that it would be a waste of his talents if Le Bris were to utilise him on the right.
Le Fee is a wonderful footballer who Le Bris has worked with once before at Lorient, though he cannot stand in the way of Talbi, who himself is an emerging talent.
The young winger has proven capable in the Premier League, with fantastic abilities when on the ball.
But the fact of the matter is that his best moments in a Sunderland shirt have all come from the left. Even his one goal scored when playing out on the right, came against Chelsea when he was able to drift into a more central zone.
The best way to profile Talbi is obvious, and he has given his manager a big decision to make moving forward.
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