Le Bris can bench Reinildo by unleashing Sunderland’s new Cattermole

Sunderland fans will look back on the 2025/26 season, when all is said and done, as an overwhelming success.

Unlike Burnley, who were promoted to the Premier League last campaign alongside the Black Cats, the Wearside outfit looks to be comfortably staying put in the top-flight, past a one-season stop-off, with Regis Le Bris’ men currently 11th in the division.

Amazingly, if the season were to finish today, the Black Cats would also be finishing above their arch nemesis, Newcastle United, but that isn’t to say the campaign has been completely flawless.

Indeed, Sunderland’s defensive frailties were clear for all to see last time out, as they shipped four goals to Aston Villa in an instant Premier League classic, with Reinildo potentially facing the axe in the process.

Why Le Bris could replace Reinildo after Villa

Sunderland very nearly picked up a result at Villa Park, despite leaking four goals, with the Black Cats’ never-say-die attitude shining bright, when levelling the match at 3-3, late into the second half.

Unfortunately, Tammy Abraham would have the last laugh for the hosts, as the likes of Luke O’Nien just couldn’t get tight enough to the ex-AS Roma striker, to stop him from beating a very busy Robin Roefs, as the clock ticked over to the 93rd minute mark.

Alongside the passionate number 13 having a torrid afternoon in the Midlands, Reinildo was way off his usual standards, as attackers such as Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins had a field day, facing the ropey ex-Atletico Madrid full-back.

The Mozambique international has largely been competent when chucked into the side down the left this season, with five clean sheets collected across 19 Premier League starts.

But, on this occasion, he suffered from a horrible off-day, with zero tackles won, and possession given away eight times.

Consequently, Villa would grow in confidence that they could beat Roefs again, knowing they could easily bypass the 32-year-old, leading to Abraham’s last-gasp winner.

With an equally shoddy showing against Arsenal in February, further exposing his weaknesses, with only three out of 11 duels won, it remains to be seen whether Sunderland will persist with Reinildo going forward, as he is deep into the twilight of his career.

For the upcoming clash with Nottingham Forest, Le Bris might be tempted to swap out Reinildo for a different presence on the left flank, who could well be the Black Cats’ new version of Lee Cattermole…

Le Bris could unleash the new Cattermole

Sunderland could have done with Cattermole’s well-known grit at Villa Park, in an attempt to stop wave after wave of Villa attacks.

Never a flashy performer on Wearside, the long-running Black Cats captain would still be viewed as a crucial cog all across his 262 games at the club, for his tough-tackling nature, with Cattermole noted as being a “true leader” by ex-teammate Craig Gardner.

Amassing 262 appearances in the Premier League, Cattermole must look back on his fiery career at Sunderland with pride, as Trai Hume now attempts to replicate his lengthy top-flight playing days with the Black Cats as an equally robust and lively performer.

The Northern Irishman is already a much-loved servant at the Stadium of Light, with 167 appearances for the club under his belt, as his journey started when the sleeping giants were swamped in League One.

Now, he should be unleashed back into the starting XI against Vitor Pereira’s men, in the bright lights of the Premier League, after a commanding cameo against Unai Emery’s hosts.

Indeed, Hume was unrelenting from the minute he was shoved into the back-and-forth affair, with seven tackles and duels won from only 27 minutes of action, to live up to his “warrior” billing, which was handed to him by his manager previously.

Scoring Sunderland’s second of the day, as well, with Cattermole also bagging an occasional strike here and there for the Black Cats, it’s clear that the 24-year-old should start the upcoming contest with the Tricky Trees, as he’s a clear fan favourite.

The left-back spot on the pitch isn’t his natural position, with the right-back position more preferable.

But, he will give his all, no matter where he’s thrown in, with Cattermole – once upon a time – even playing as a right midfielder, to fill some gaps, for his beloved team.

Their might be more high profile names in this side and in this squad, but every successful team needs a Cattermole or a Hume to do the dirty work.