Regis Le Bris is currently working with a reduced Sunderland squad, with six members of his energetic group away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
While their absence is a frustration, it has also opened the door for fringe players to push for a regular place. A reshuffled Sunderland side was given that chance against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday, but the opportunity largely went begging in a lifeless 0-0 draw at the Amex Stadium.
The Black Cats left the south coast feeling underwhelmed by their display, even if the point was enough to keep them fifth in the Premier League.
Sunderland players who struggled against Brighton
With AFCON thinning the squad, attention naturally fell on those brought into the starting lineup. Some handled the challenge better than others.
Trai Hume returned to the XI with Reinildo on international duty and made an immediate impact. The Northern Ireland international was energetic throughout from left back, winning seven tackles and ten duels according to Sofascore.
Simon Adingra, however, endured a difficult afternoon. Making his first league start since October, the winger looked short of sharpness and failed to trouble his former club. During his hour on the pitch, he completed no accurate crosses and did not beat his man once.
Brian Brobbey also struggled to impose himself. Leading the line for the second league game in a row, the striker drifted in and out of the contest and managed just one effort on target before being replaced by Wilson Isidor, who made little more impact.
At the other end, Sunderland were far more convincing. Robin Roefs produced another assured display in goal to secure a clean sheet, helping to compensate for the lack of cutting edge up front.
One performance that will concern Le Bris
Despite Sunderland creating chances, with Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen forced into six saves, the attacking output remained uneven. Chris Rigg had two efforts on goal after being handed a start in place of the absent Bertrand Traore, but his overall contribution was limited.
The 18 year old completed only nine accurate passes from 28 touches and struggled to influence the game down the right side. He ended the match with fewer touches than Roefs, who had 48 as he dealt with Brighton’s limited attacking threat.
Rigg also failed to attempt a cross or a dribble, underlining how little Sunderland troubled Fabian Hurzeler’s defence from wide areas. While he was a standout figure last season and earned praise as one of the Championship’s brightest prospects during the promotion campaign, the Premier League may still be a step too far for him as a regular starter.
With Traore away at AFCON, Rigg is likely to receive further chances, but Le Bris may need to explore other solutions on the right flank rather than relying solely on the teenager as Sunderland navigate this testing period.