Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris believes Enzo Le Fee could play at the “best level” after the French midfielder put in an impressive display during a 3-2 derby win at Middlesbrough.
Despite a dominant start from Boro, who took the lead through Delano Burgzorg, the Black Cats levelled through Dan Neil’s powerful strike, which deflected into the net off George Edmundson.
Wilson Isidor’s cool finish put the visitors in front before Hayden Hackney pulled Boro level, but Ryan Giles’ 87th-minute own goal proved to be the difference in a thrilling match.
Le Fee starred for Sunderland and was influential in two of their goals, threading a brilliant through ball in for Isidor to score and sending over a dangerous cross in the final stages as Giles turned the ball into his own net.
The 25-year-old arrived on loan from Roma earlier in January and Le Bris believes there is still more to come from him.
He said: “It’s very important to have good players, Enzo is now well-connected with his team-mates.
“We can now find more relationships with Dennis (Cirkin), Jobe (Bellingham), Wilson and with Dan on the pitch because on the left side he is connected with these players.
“I think with one full week we had to train and his experiences on the pitch with his team-mates, he’s now more connected.
“I expect more from him because he’s so talented that I think he could play at the best level – best level means Premier League or something else.
“He’s not too far, but he still has a big margin, I’m sure.”
Boro were in control in the first half before a more confident performance after the break allowed the Black Cats to snatch three points and move level on points with third-placed Burnley in the Sky Bet Championship play-off spots.
Le Bris added: “During half-time we spoke about the character we need to have, playing with more passion and with more confidence. I think our second half was really good and we changed our dynamic.
“It was an intense game against a strong team, away, especially in a derby. So we had to play with passion. We were 101 per cent rather than 80, 85 or 90 because it makes a difference.”
Middlesbrough had opportunities to extend their lead before Sunderland drew level in the first half.
Defeat sees them remain just outside of the play-off places and boss Michael Carrick admitted the second half “drifted” away from his side.
He said: “To lose it like that is a tough one, it’s a horrible way to lose a game, especially one of this significance and stature.
“To concede the goals, a deflection and an own goal, it’s difficult, but we’ve got to accept it.
“I thought we started the game well and scored, went ahead, looked like we could add to that and were in a good place.
“Then the two-goal swing, we dealt with it well second half and came back into the game.
“It just drifted a bit second half where we didn’t probably do enough in the game and to lose it like that is a very tough one to take.”
