Granit Xhaka’s goal was huge for Sunderland but it’s 81% pass master who changed the game vs Everton

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Sunderland fought back from a goal down to earn a point against Everton at the Stadium of Light on Monday night, and one man should get his flowers for his role in the result.

Most fans will point to Granit Xhaka as the star of the show for Sunderland, and rightly so. The skipper scored his first goal for his new club to fire them level early in the second half, and was dominant in the middle of the park from there on.

Still, Regis Le Bris’ side were unable to put their pressure to good use and couldn’t quite find a way through the Everton defence, try as they might.

Many had predicted a win for Sunderland, but it was a tougher night than they had envisaged. Nevertheless, while Xhaka shone for the Black Cats, it’s another player we’re raving about at the final whistle.

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Enzo Le Fee spurred Sunderland on

Yes, that goal from Xhaka was a huge moment for Sunderland, both in terms of this game and the bigger picture. But, it was the performance of Enzo Le Fee that really made the Black Cats tick.

The diminutive Frenchman laid on the assist for Xhaka to score that all-important goal, and that pass came after some fantastic work from Le Fee to weave through the Everton defenders.

From there, it seemed he grew into the game and his influence became more and more key to Sunderland’s tempo. Little passes to keep the ball moving, exciting, driving runs forward, aggressive pressing play; Le Fee was doing it all.

Statistically, Le Fee may not look like he had the best game. He had two shots but none were on target, he failed in all three of his dribbles, and lost possession 16 times.

But, as we know, footballing ability should never be judged solely on data and statistics. Le Fee brought all the energy and urgency that Sunderland needed in that second half, and without him, there’s no way the Black Cats would have fought their way back into the game.

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Sunderland status has changed for Le Fee

It’s been a fascinating journey for Le Fee since he first joined Sunderland back in the January transfer window. He arrived as a massive coup for the Mackems, with many claiming he could be one of the greatest ever signings for a Championship side.

He made his mark, here and there, but probably didn’t hit the ground running quite as he would have hoped. Still, his permanent transfer to Sunderland upon their promotion was met with glee by the Wearside faithful.

Since then, though, Sunderland have spent more than £100m on 14 other new signings, and Le Fee has almost been nudged out of the limelight in many ways.

While Granit Xhaka stands out as Sunderland’s best signing, and the likes of Nordi Mukiele continue to be praised, Le Fee has been quietly and steadily plugging away to show what he can do in the top flight.

After that display against Everton, hopefully, people are starting to recognise his worth once more.