Which players have been most prominent to Sunderland's excellent return to the Premier League?
Sunderland’s 3-0 win over Burnley has left them well and truly in the battle for European places.
Monday’s battering of the Clarets lifted Regis Le Bris’ men to eighth in the table with 36 points on the board, just four points adrift of Chelsea in fifth and maintaining their status as the only unbeaten home team remaining in the Premier League. But who has played the biggest part in Sunderland’s triumphant return to the top-flight so far? Here is Le Bris’ strongest side, based on minutes played in the Premier League this season.
Goalkeeper: Robin Roefs
Minutes: 2,160
It’ll come as no surprise to see Robin Roefs topping the Sunderland charts for time on the pitch, playing every single minute of their Premier League campaign so far. The Dutchman has been simply sensational, sitting third among Premier League goalkeepers for saves (76) and keeping the third-most clean sheets (8).
Right-back: Trai Hume
Minutes: 1,970
Trai Hume has been through it all with Sunderland, playing for them in League One, the Championship and, now, the Premier League. The Northern Ireland international has clocked the third-most minutes of any Black Cats player in the Premier League this season and has looked every inch a top-flight player. No frills, just utter consistency.
Centre-back: Nordi Mukiele
Minutes: 1,973
Just ahead of Hume on minutes played is Nordi Mukiele. The Frenchman has split his time between full-back and centre-back so far, but wherever he’s played, he’s been among Regis Le Bris’ most reliable assets. Mukiele is first among Sunderland players in a number of key metrics, including interceptions (32) and last man tackles (2).
Centre-back: Omar Alderete
Minutes: 1,736
Mukiele’s partner in crime and fellow summer signing, Omar Alderete, has been equally effective at the back for the Black Cats. His minutes were hit by a four-game absence due to a head injury, but he’s well back into the swing of things now. The Paraguay international is first among his teammates for shots blocked (17) and second only to Mukiele for interceptions (25).
Left-back: Reinildo Mandava
Minutes: 1,249
A red card suspension and Africa Cup of Nations duties have had a big effect on Reinildo’s minutes, but the fact he’s still managed to break the 1,000-mark tells you just how reliable he’s been when available. He’s second among Sunderland players for crosses blocked (8), only behind Hume (9).
Central midfield: Granit Xhaka
Minutes: 1,963
Granit Xhaka is fourth for Sunderland this season for minutes played, and he’s surely the top contender for Sunderland’s signing of the season. In fact, Xhaka is the top pick for many for the signing of the season across the entire Premier League. The Switzerland international is fourth in the division for assists (5), and first among Sunderland players in key stats such as passes completed (950), final third passes completed (267), big chances created (7) and possessions won in the middle third (58).
Central midfield: Noah Sadiki
Minutes: 1,686
Noah Sadiki was almost ever-present before jetting off to Afcon with the DR Congo. He’s come straight back into the team upon returning, resuming his superb midfield partnership with Xhaka. The 21-year-old is first in the squad for completed dribbles (15).
Right wing: Bertrand Traore
Minutes: 616
Bertrand Traore has struggled for consistent minutes this season, but as you’ll find out soon, we’ve had to occupy the left wing with someone after Simon Adingra joined Monaco on loan. Despite being a bit-part player, Traore is second among Sunderland players for completed dribbles (14) and has one goal to his name.
Attacking midfield: Enzo Le Fee
Minutes: 1,851
One player who has regularly featured in the final third is Enzo Le Fee. Often lining up as a No.10, but sometimes dropping deeper, the Frenchman has created a team-high 31 chances so far, posting four assists and three goals.
Left wing: Chemsdine Talbi
Minutes: 1,012
Le Bris is yet to settle on a consistent combination in attack. Chemsdine Talbi has played the most minutes of any winger so far, and he moved on to three goals for the season against Burnley, while he also has an assist to his name. Talbi also broke the 1,000-minute mark against the Clarets. The Belgian has played mostly on the right, but has clocked some minutes on the left and occupies that spot here following the deadline day exit of Adingra.
Striker: Wilson Isidor
Minutes: 1,007
Wilson Isidor started the season in fine form, netting four goals in his first nine Premier League appearances. However, since then, the Frenchman has failed to score in 12 outings, losing his place in the starting line-up to Brian Brobbey - who has clocked 957 minutes and is on the verge of breaking into this side.
Sunderland squad ranked by minutes played
Robin Roefs - 2160 minutes
Nordi Mukiele - 1973 minutes
Enzo Le Fée - 1851 minutes
Omar Alderete - 1736 minutes
Noah Sadiki - 1686 minutes
Dan Ballard - 1494 minutes
Reinildo Mandava - 1249 minutes
Chemsdine Talbi - 1012 minutes
Wilson Isidor - 1007 minutes
Lutsharel Geertruida - 983 minutes
Brian Brobbey - 957 minutes
Simon Adingra - 658 minutes
Bertrand Traoré - 616 minutes
Eliezer Mayenda - 577 minutes
Habib Diarra - 497 minutes
Chris Rigg - 382 minutes
Romaine Mundle - 314 minutes
Dennis Cirkin - 297 minutes
Jenson Seelt - 134 minutes
Arthur Masuaku - 127 minutes
Patrick Roberts - 27 minutes
Luke O'Nien - 21 minutes
Dan Neil - 13 minutes
Marc Guiu - 13 minutes
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