Sunderland's Granit Xhaka is among the highest-rated players in EA FC 26. _(Image: Owen Humphreys)_
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After a strong start to the Premier League season, bagging seven points from the first four games, Sunderland fans have enjoyed their return to the top flight.
Now, popular video game EA FC has unveiled the ratings of Premier League players ahead of the game's release on September 26.
Formerly known as the FIFA franchise, the football game is one of the highest-selling games every year and the release of players' ratings - their overall score out of 99 - is an anticipated moment in the season for gamers and players alike.
The [Black Cats](http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/sunderland) were very active in the transfer window adding a dozen players to their ranks, including new club captain Granit Xhaka in a coup for the Wearsiders.
Nordi Mukiele swapped Paris for Wearside as he joined from PSG._(Image: SAFC)_
Former Arsenal and Leverkusen star Xhaka is the highest-rated player at the Stadium of Light this season, with an overall of 85. It makes him the 144th best player in the entire database of more than 17,000 footballers.
Other new signings are also among the highest ranked at the club, with defenders Reinildo and Nordi Mukiele both rated 79.
Deadline day recruit Brian Brobbey is the side's highest-rated forward, coming in at 77 overall with high scores for pace (83) and physicality (80).
Here's a list of the player ratings for Sunderland for FC 26:
* Granit Xhaka - 85
* Reinildo - 79
* Nordi Mukiele - 79
* Lutsharel Geertruida - 78
* Omar Alderte - 78
* Habib Diarra - 77
* Brian Brobbey - 77
* Enzo Le Fee - 76
* Simon Adingra - 76
* Arthur Masuaku - 75
* Bertrand Traore - 75
* Noah Sadiki - 74
* Trai Hume - 74
* Robin Roefs - 74
* Dan Neil - 73
* Chemsdine Talbi - 73
* Anthony Patterson - 73
* Dan Ballard - 73
* Luk O'Nien - 72
* Dennis Cirkin - 72
* Wilson Isidor - 72
* Eliezer Mayenda - 71
* Romaine Mundle - 71
* Timothee Pembele - 70
* Chris Rigg - 70
* Ian Poveda - 69
* Abdoullah Ba - 66
* Simon Moore - 66
* Aji Alese - 66
* Leo Hjelde - 66
* Harrison Jones - 59
* Ahmed Abdullahi - 58
* Blondy Nna Noukeu - 57
EA FC 26 releases on September 26.