Sunderland's WhoScored best XI of the season so far with January deadline day closing in
This Sunderland side has a lot of standout performers from their first season back in the Premier League.
Sunderland have been on the end of a lot of praise this season and even one player has been described as the “signing of the season” by one of English football’s best ever players.
It has been a season to remember and for some young fans, it might be the best Sunderland side they have probably seen in the Premier League, with previous sides flirting with relegation throughout the season. With some fantastic form to begin the season, Regis Le Bris’ side were being talked about as a potential surprise package to finish in the European spots. Those enthusiastic hopes have been tempered in recent weeks with the side suffering a dip in form, but there is still a lot to enjoy about this Sunderland side this season.
Here we take a look at WhoScored’s highest-rated Sunderland players in the Premier League this season with a minimum of 500 minutes played.
1. Granit Xhaka
The highest rated Sunderland player is, of course, the captain, Granit Xhaka. A masterstroke of a signing by the club’s hierarchy, the Switzerland international has added experience and steel in the middle of the pitch, and England and Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney described him as one of the “signings of the season” to top it all off.
2. Nordi Mukiele
Nordi Mukiele has also been on the end of some high praise this season and has been immense at full-back for the side flying up and down the right-hand side of the pitch and even adding something extra with his long throw-ins.
3. Dan Ballard
Dan Ballard epitomises all that is great in this Sunderland side. His passion and desire is there for all to see, and one of the highlights of the season for all Stadium of Light season ticket holders was when he blasted the ball past David Raya to open the scoring against Arsenal.
4. Omar Alderete
As expected, Omar Alderete is also up there alongside his defensive teammates Mukiele and Ballard. Alderete is up there with the most consistent performers in the team and has contributed to the side’s solid defensive record this season.
5. Robin Roefs
An outstanding summer find, Robin Roefs has pulled off some magnificent saves to keep Sunderland in games this season, and he is also capable of playing the ball out with his feet, which is a bonus.
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6. Reinildo Mandava
Reinildo is another who has contributed to the side’s promising position in the league this season and has also been one who is secure on the ball.
7. Bertrand Traore
One of the first players who may come as a surprise to some, as he has not played as many minutes as others but he is rated among the best in the Sunderland side.
8. Enzo Le Fee
Enzo Le Fee was a real coup when he signed for the club while down in the Championship and he has brought that quality up to the Premier League, where many knew he was going to be able to cut it. Seven goals and assists so far this season have added some crucial end product to this side’s midfield.
9. Trai Hume
Not one to pull out of a challenge, Trai Hume has done well at full-back and is another defender to feature on this list, which highlights how well this side has performed at the back.
10. Noah Sadiki
Noah Sadiki is a proper box-to-box midfielder and has been great at breaking up play in the middle of the park alongside captain Xhaka and has added energy alongside his more experienced midfield partner.
11. Brian Brobbey
The man who has been coming up with crucial goals. Brian Brobbey has scored a respectable five goals and also provided one assist in his 18 league games, and many of those have not been as a starter.
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