Sunderland to ‘require patience’ with Talbi after struggles v Sporting CP
Sunderland were narrowly beaten by Sporting CP in their second pre-season friendly on Monday.
The 1-0 defeat was the Black Cats’ second outing at The Estadio Algarve, where they drew to Sevilla on Saturday (19 July) after a last-minute equaliser.
Regis Le Bris will be pleased to see his team holding their own against European sides of such pedigree, despite neither game ending in victory.
Sunderland will next play Hearts, before taking on Hull City and Real Betis ahead of the Premier League’s opening weekend.
Talbi lacking confidence
Chemsdine Talbi was certainly signed with the future in mind. The winger showed his potential in the Belgian top flight last season, scoring five goals and providing three assists.
But the Premier League was always going to be an extreme step-up.
Sunderland fans will hope the 20-year-old can surprise them by hitting the ground running when the season does start, but Talbi’s performances in pre-season have already suggested that their suspicions may have been correct.
Talbi was quiet in Sunderland’s first match, and his performance on Monday left some fans questioning his ability to hold a starting role for the season’s start.
The Moroccan struggled to beat his man, often electing to pass backwards rather than stretch the Sporting CP flank.
Understandably, the 20-year-old looks raw and may be lacking in confidence.
It should not be forgotten that this is Talbi’s first big career move. The youngster has spent the entirety of his career before now in Belgium and made his first breakthrough to senior football last season.
The £18million price tag, which could rise to £20.5m, is also a significant weight for a young player to carry, and patience may be required.
Sunderland must provide further support
Patrick Roberts was Sunderland’s first-choice option on the right last season. The winger’s struggle for consistency was what led the Black Cats to seek a new signing in that position this summer, however.
But Talbi’s lack of readiness may end up seeing Roberts return to the starting line-up at the start of the season.
| Patrick Roberts | Championship (2024/25) |
| Appearances | 45 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 7 |
Instead, Sunderland may seek a further option. Talbi will be granted patience as he attempts to adapt to the Premier League, but with results required from the off, Le Bris may not be granted the same luxury.
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