Sunderland fans are still eagerly awaiting the debut of 19-year-old Milan Aleksic, the club’s most expensive signing under Kyril Louis-Dreyfus.
Despite being signed for £3.1 million from Radnicki 1923, Aleksic has yet to feature in competitive action for the Black Cats. Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has shed light on the Serbian U21 international’s situation, explaining the importance of timing in integrating the young talent into the team.
Finding the Right Moment
Le Bris addressed Aleksic’s absence during a press conference on Thursday, comparing his case to that of Tommy Watson, an 18-year-old who recently broke into Sunderland’s first team. Watson waited several weeks for his opportunity but has now made five Championship appearances, including his first league start earlier this month against Preston North End.
“Sometimes you are waiting for the right opportunity,” said Le Bris. “It was the case for Tommy Watson, for example. He waited for maybe six, seven, eight weeks without opportunities, and now it’s done. He started, probably will start again. For Milan, it’s the same case. A talented player for sure.”
Aleksic was close to making his debut during Sunderland’s game against Preston earlier this month but was unable to come on before the final whistle. The midfielder has, however, maintained match sharpness with Serbia’s U21s, playing 84 minutes in their recent 2-1 victory over Turkey during the international break.
A Patient Approach
Le Bris emphasised that Aleksic is navigating several challenges, including adapting to English football and overcoming language barriers. Despite the competition for midfield spots, Aleksic’s willingness to work hard and follow the coaching staff’s instructions stands out. The player himself has expressed a commitment to his development, recently stating his readiness to comply with all coaching requests.
With Alan Browne sidelined for up to eight weeks due to injury, Aleksic has moved closer to a first-team debut. While the circumstances may eventually create an opening for him, Le Bris is keen to ensure the timing is right to maximise the young talent’s impact.
Writer’s View
Milan Aleksic represents both a significant investment and a long-term project for Sunderland. Le Bris’ cautious approach is a wise strategy, allowing Aleksic to acclimatise while avoiding undue pressure. With Browne’s absence and ongoing squad rotation, Aleksic’s debut seems imminent, and the careful nurturing of his talent could pay dividends for Sunderland in the future.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
