Régis Le Bris
Sunderland have bolstered their squad with three new signings on transfer deadline day, with Lutsharel Geertruida’s versatility being highlighted as a key asset for the club’s Premier League campaign. Geertruida, who joined on an initial loan from RB Leipzig, is expected to play a significant role in the team’s defensive lineup. The Black Cats have an option to make the move permanent next summer for a fee believed to be around £18 million.
Régis Le Bris said: “I believe that his best position is probably centre-back. I think that is his main target, but he is really versatile. When we speak about positions, we speak about different roles. He can play at centre-back, but he could also play a bit wider or even in the midfield. We will try to exploit this profile, and we will see what the opportunities will be in the next few weeks.”
Régis Le Bris added: “I think he is a really well-rounded player. He can defend, he can attack and his versatility will hopefully help us to build up the play. He can manage different positions through possessional play as well. We will see how things develop with him because it is still only five or six training sessions that we have had with him now, as well as some sessions of video analysis.”
Geertruida is primarily a centre-back but has demonstrated his ability to adapt to various roles, including full-back positions and as a holding midfielder. This adaptability is expected to be crucial as Sunderland navigate the challenges of the Premier League season. Despite only a few training sessions with the team, early indications suggest that Geertruida is a strong all-round defender who can contribute both defensively and offensively.
Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris is optimistic about the new additions, including Geertruida, as they prepare for their upcoming match against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Geertruida is anticipated to be part of the squad, alongside fellow deadline-day signing Brian Brobbey. However, Le Bris noted that Bertrand Traoré’s participation remains uncertain due to his commitments with the national team.
Régis Le Bris commented: “I don’t know for Bertrand, because Bertrand was with his national team during this period. So we’ll see this afternoon. For the two others, they seem okay. Probably not ready for 90 minutes right now, but they should be ready quickly, I think.”
Le Bris emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum, suggesting that significant changes to the starting lineup are unlikely. He expressed confidence in the current squad, noting that the players who have started the season well deserve to continue. He also acknowledged the potential for injuries and suspensions, highlighting the depth of the squad with eight or nine defensive players ready to step in as needed.
Régis Le Bris stated: “It’s still a question of momentum. We have many options now, which is really positive, but we know the journey in the Premier League will be long and will have different experiences. Hopefully not, but there will probably be injuries and suspensions to contend with. We know that with these eight or nine defensive players for example, they will all have opportunities. Now, the momentum is positive, so I think that the players who have been starting deserve to keep playing. Then, we will see during the game and then later whether something needs to change.”
Additionally, Le Bris confirmed that Dan Ballard and Luke O’Nien are nearing a return from injury, though they will miss the upcoming fixture. Meanwhile, Dennis Cirkin, Aji Alese, and Leo Hjelde will require more time to recover from their respective injuries.
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