Enzo Le Fée has been in fine form for Sunderland this season.

Sunderland icon Kevin Phillips has lavished praise on Black Cats playmaker Enzo Le Fée, while also claiming that the Frenchman has the potential to keep improving on Wearside.

After making his initial loan move to the Stadium of Light permanent during the summer transfer window, Le Fée has shone during his debut season in the Premier League, and has four goals and five assists to his name in the top flight this term.

But while Phillips is an admirer of the 26-year-old, the Sunderland legend has suggested that he can still keep growing in a red and white shirt - and that international football could one day be a realistic possibility.

Speaking exclusively to The Echo, courtesy of BestBettingSites, when asked what Le Fée offers the Black Cats, the pundit said: “Well, he’s clearly brought quality to the team. That’s why Sunderland spent a lot of money on him. I think there were a few people surprised that he came to Sunderland when he did for the fee that he went for. It’s a big coup for Sunderland, and he settled in really quickly.

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“He’s got great ability, good qualities, and he’s been a massive part of Sunderland’s success since he’s been at the football club. So how far can that take him? Who knows? He’s performing on the biggest stage in the world in the Premier League. The next big jump for him now is whether he can be recognised internationally and make that big jump. So if he keeps performing the way he is, then he’s got every chance of doing that. He still knows he needs to improve; we all know that, but he’s still fairly young. He’s a quality player, and he certainly can reach the very top for sure.”

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What has Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris said about Enzo Le Fée?

Phillips is not the only prominent figure to hail Le Fée recently, with Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris also paying tribute after the player reached his 50-game milestone in the North East. He said: "I'm really pleased, because after Lorient he had good spells, but also difficult moments in Rennes and then in Roma.

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"When you reach 24, 25 years old, you never know if you still just have potential or if you can become a great player. I thought he could be a great player. Coming from Roma last season, in the Championship, it was a strong decision from him and he showed great quality. He got an injury in February as well, so it was a question for him about his physical consistency.

“This season, the Premier League is probably the hardest and most demanding league in the world so if you can stay consistent as he was, it shows something. I'm really pleased because of the ability to repeat, but to play in different positions as well. He's always smart, always well-connected with the squad. Always keen to do the tasks, even if it's a defensive task, he will do it with purpose. He's a good team-mate and a really good player."

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