Bertrand Traore in action against Manchester United in 2025 for Sunderland

Bertrand Traoré Sunderland winger role confirmed despite Burkina Faso striker display

John William Last updated: Oct 9, 2025, 11:32 am
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Image: IMAGO / Pro Sports Images

Bertrand Traoré has underlined his versatility once again, starring for Burkina Faso in World Cup qualifying while playing in a position Régis Le Bris does not plan to use him at Sunderland.

The 30-year-old, who joined the Black Cats on deadline day alongside Brian Brobbey from Ajax, provided the decisive assist in a 1-0 win over Sierra Leone on Wednesday. Traoré’s clever work as a centre-forward set up Mohamed Zougrana’s goal, keeping the Stallions within touching distance of group leaders Egypt.

Sunderland context: winger, not striker

Despite his international showing, Sunderland boss Le Bris has been clear about where he sees Traoré’s role at club level. The French coach views the former Aston Villa and Villarreal man as a creative winger, not a number nine, and expects him to compete for minutes on the right flank when the Premier League resumes.

“I think his (Traoré’s) role could be close to the role of Pat Roberts for the beginning of the season. He has this profile. I like him as a right-winger, left-footed, creative with the ability to change the game.” — Régis Le Bris, via Sunderland Echo

The Sunderland manager added that while Traoré can play in “different positions,” his strongest impact comes from wide areas, where his ability to take on defenders, combine in tight spaces and create against deep blocks adds variety to the attack.

Traoré’s career crossroads

Traoré arrives at Sunderland after an up-and-down spell in English football. At Aston Villa, he registered seven goals and six assists in 36 league appearances during his first season, but consistency deserted him thereafter. Mentored by former Arsenal and Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor during a difficult period, the winger rebuilt confidence with Villarreal before returning to England this summer.

Now at Sunderland, he joins a side defying expectations. Despite a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United before the break, the Black Cats remain seven points clear of the relegation zone after seven matches. Wilson Isidor has been the team’s main goal threat so far, and while Le Bris is reluctant to use Traoré as an out-and-out striker, his ability to ease the attacking burden could still prove crucial.

Analyst Verdict

FootballPlace analyst John William believes Traoré’s flexibility is an asset even if Le Bris insists on playing him wide:

“International managers sometimes deploy players differently, but Le Bris is right to view Traoré primarily as a winger. That’s where he can stretch teams, create in transition and bring his best qualities. Still, knowing he can step up as a striker gives Sunderland a tactical wildcard if goals dry up.”

Key Insights

  • Traoré assisted Mohamed Zougrana in Burkina Faso’s 1-0 win over Sierra Leone.
  • Played as a striker for his country, but Le Bris wants him on Sunderland’s right wing.
  • Sunderland boss compares his profile to Patrick Roberts, valuing creativity and one-on-one play.
  • The Black Cats sit seven points clear of relegation after seven matches.
  • Traoré’s versatility could help cover gaps if Sunderland’s main strikers falter.

What’s Next for Sunderland and Traoré?

When club football resumes, Le Bris is expected to start Chesmedine Talbi again on the right, though Traoré will be pushing hard to claim that role. His international display may strengthen his case for more minutes, even if not in the striker’s position.

For Burkina Faso, Traoré’s ability to lead the line keeps them competitive in World Cup qualifying. At club level, however, his task is clear: adapt to Sunderland’s system, deliver consistency on the wing, and prove he was more than just a deadline-day gamble.

👉 Should Sunderland experiment with Bertrand Traoré as a striker after his Burkina Faso heroics, or is Le Bris right to keep him strictly on the wing?

1 Comment (last comment by JamesLove)

First read message

James Love

By JamesLove 9 Oct 2025 11:35

My days. I couldn’t believe my eyes when Sunderland came for him on deadlineday.. No matter what the offer would have been, glad that he’s gone. Hè was so bad during his Ajax days last season

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