Enzo Le Fee: Sunderland’s Player of the Season?
Enzo Le Fee is one of several Sunderland stars in with a shout of being named their Player of the Season on their return to the Premier League.
With seven games still to be played, starting with a home clash against Tottenham, Sunderland are still well and truly in the race to secure European qualification.
It’s been a season to remember for the Black Cats, who have shocked everyone with how well they have fared on their return to the top flight, with many fans, pundits, and even managers having had them nailed on to finish bottom.
Several players, including the likes of Granit Xhaka, Nordi Mukiele and Robin Roefs, have played their part in this season’s success, but Le Fee might just pip them to the Player of the Season award.
- Read more: Anthony Patterson: Does he have a future at Sunderland?
Enzo Le Fee’s debut Premier League season by numbers
With four goals and four assists in the league, Le Fee has been influential to Sunderland’s attempts in the final third, even when played out of position.
Of his 33 appearances across all competitions, the Frenchman has featured on the left flank nine times, while having only been played in his natural attacking midfield role 11 times.
| Premier League | Le Fee |
| Appearance | 29 |
| Goal involvements | 8 |
| Duels won | 121 |
| Tackles | 69 |
| Big chances created | 5 |
And yet his numbers have remained consistent throughout the campaign.
With 36 chances created, Le Fee ranks among the top 15.6 per cent of Premier League midfielders, but it has been his output off the ball that deserves the most attention.
His 134 defensive contributions cannot be matched by any other player in his position this season, with the Frenchman also leading the way for the number of interceptions.
Le Fee has shown the quality that he has in all areas of his game, and perhaps demonstrates why he is underrated by the general wider audience.
Read more: Felix Scott: Sunderland starlet goes from hero to zero in Reading draw
Who is likely to rival Le Fee for the end-of-season award?
The most obvious candidate to win Player of the Season if Le Fee doesn’t is Xhaka.
Without the Swiss general pulling the strings in midfield, Sunderland would certainly be in the relegation conversation, showcasing just how influential he has been.
Whether he wins Player of the Season or not, there’s a very, very strong case for him to be the signing of the season, given the impact he has had on and off the pitch.
Xhaka has had a hand in six goals for Sunderland in the Premier League this season, while having barely put a foot wrong.
For even more Sunderland news and opinions, head over to Football Insider.