Jocelin Ta Bi: Le Bris explains Sunderland’s plan for winger after three-goal Brentford display

Jocelin Ta Bi was involved in all three Sunderland goals against Brentford, but Régis Le Bris says developing the winger means balancing opportunities with the demands of Premier League football.

The 21-year-old helped Sunderland win Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie 3-2 at the Stadium of Light. They will visit Crystal Palace in the quarter-finals, the club confirmed.

Le Bris praised Ta Bi’s work without the ball as well as his attacking contribution, explaining that the youngster still needs experience to develop the defensive side of his game.

What Le Bris said about Jocelin Ta Bi

“We can’t teach him how to dribble, how to escape pressure, how to deliver,” Le Bris said, as reported by the Sunderland Echo.

The Sunderland head coach described those attacking qualities as strengths Ta Bi already possesses. The work now involves helping him recognise and respond to the problems opponents create when Sunderland do not have possession.

Brentford overloaded his side of the pitch, prompting adjustments at half-time. Le Bris was encouraged by the winger’s willingness to keep running and defending while retaining the ability to produce decisive passes.

His wider point concerned how Sunderland use young players. Experienced footballers can offer greater reassurance to a manager, but emerging players need exposure to difficult situations if they are to improve.

Le Bris acknowledged that mistakes are part of that process, particularly in the Premier League. His comments outlined a development plan rather than a promise that Ta Bi would start the next match.

How Ta Bi helped Sunderland beat Brentford

Sunderland scored three times in 13 first-half minutes, with Ta Bi involved in each goal, Sky Sports reported.

His contribution to the opener came from a shot rather than an intended pass. Ta Bi’s low effort beat Hákon Valdimarsson and was heading towards goal when Chemsdine Talbi arrived to finish on the line.

For the second, Ta Bi beat his opponent on the right and pulled the ball back for Timur Tutierov to score.

He then supplied the cross for Malick Fofana to head in Sunderland’s third. It was Fofana’s first goal for the club, as Sunderland confirmed in their post-match reaction.

Callum Wilson pulled one back before half-time and Igor Thiago scored in stoppage time, but Sunderland held on to reach the last eight.

What comes next for Ta Bi?

Ta Bi joined Sunderland from Maccabi Netanya in January. A proposed summer loan to Burnley fell through, leaving him to continue his development on Wearside, Dominic Shaw reported.

The same report notes that he started Sunderland’s Carabao Cup ties against Hull and Brentford and appeared late in the Premier League defeat by Brighton.

Saturday brings a different test as Sunderland travel to Coventry City. The cup performance gives Le Bris another attacking option, although his post-match comments did not confirm Ta Bi’s role for the league fixture.

Read our Coventry vs Sunderland TV guide for the kick-off time, viewing details and team news.

Sunderland then host Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League on Thursday 5 November, with kick-off at 8pm GMT, the club’s fixture information confirms. That leaves Le Bris managing another European match soon after the trip to Coventry.

Wilson Isidor’s availability is another decision for Le Bris. The striker was absent from Wednesday’s squad as he continued his recovery from a knock. Our Wilson Isidor injury update covers the background to his potential return.

Jocelin Ta Bi: your questions answered

How did Jocelin Ta Bi contribute against Brentford?

Ta Bi was involved in all three Sunderland goals. Chemsdine Talbi finished his goal-bound shot, before Ta Bi supplied the cutback for Timur Tutierov and the cross for Malick Fofana.

Will Ta Bi start against Coventry?

Le Bris has not confirmed his starting XI. He praised Ta Bi’s performance against Brentford while explaining the need to balance opportunities for young players with Premier League results.

When did Ta Bi join Sunderland?

Ta Bi joined from Maccabi Netanya in January 2026. He remained at Sunderland after a proposed loan move to Burnley fell through during the summer.