Sunderland fans are buzzing with debate over how best to deploy their star midfielder Enzo Le Fee, with former striker Marco Gabbiadini insisting the Frenchman must be given a central role to unlock his full potential.

Speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle, commentator Nick Barnes highlighted the tactical dilemma facing manager Regis Le Bris: stick with the in-form Habib Diarra, or reshape the lineup to accommodate Le Fee in his preferred position. "There's a real debate to be had about Diarra," Barnes noted. "If Le Bris wants to get his wingers into the team, it means he can push Le Fee into the number 10 or number eight role—which is widely considered his best position."

Gabbiadini, who knows a thing or two about finding the back of the net for the Black Cats, added his voice to the conversation. "Look, it's tough when injuries force the manager's hand," he said. "Sometimes Le Fee has to play out wide because others are unavailable. But when you get him into the middle of the park, he's so influential. He sees those little openings and finds pockets of space that others miss."

The former striker acknowledged the balancing act Le Bris faces. "Playing him centrally can leave you exposed in other areas, but if he's fit, he has to play. He's such a clever footballer—his work rate is brilliant, and everyone has to work hard. But I look at Diarra sometimes and wonder: is he running in the right areas? Does he even need to run?"

Gabbiadini concluded with a timeless football maxim: "Good players know when to stand still. Le Fee does that. He makes himself available for his teammates. The manager's got some big decisions to make—and that's exactly the kind of problem you want to have."