A 2-1 win over Chelsea secured Europa League football for Sunderland next season and was a fitting end to one of the most memorable campaigns in the club’s modern history.
Here, Phil Smith grades each and every member of the first-team squad and previews how their campaigns might impact the work that director of football Florent Ghisolfi does in the transfer market this summer.
Only players who featured in the Premier League this season and who remain contracted to the club at this stage feature.
When you reflect on the consistency Roefs has produced for Sunderland this season, it’s worth remembering that he had not been at the top of the club’s shortlist in the summer. Initially they had looked at goalkeepers with more experience in top European leagues and had been willing to spend a huge sum to get one, a reflection of how critical they thought this position to be. In the first half of the season, Roefs was right up at the top for save percentage and goals prevented - an absolutely vital part of a Sunderland side who continuously confounded the naysayers to stay well clear of the bottom three. He perhaps didn’t quite maintain that level through the second half of the campaign but remained one of the most dependable stoppers in the division. Most impressive is his unflappability in all scenarios - the sky really does look to be the limit. A+
1. Robin Roefs
When you reflect on the consistency Roefs has produced for Sunderland this season, it’s worth remembering that he had not been at the top of the club’s shortlist in the summer. Initially they had looked at goalkeepers with more experience in top European leagues and had been willing to spend a huge sum to get one, a reflection of how critical they thought this position to be. In the first half of the season, Roefs was right up at the top for save percentage and goals prevented - an absolutely vital part of a Sunderland side who continuously confounded the naysayers to stay well clear of the bottom three. He perhaps didn’t quite maintain that level through the second half of the campaign but remained one of the most dependable stoppers in the division. Most impressive is his unflappability in all scenarios - the sky really does look to be the limit. A+ | Getty Images
Signed as cover and long-term competition for Roefs and to allow Anthony Patterson to go out on loan. That Sunderland won two of the three league games he featured in when Roefs suffered an injury, including at St James’ Park, is testament to his promise and ability. A tough afternoon at Port Vale was a reflection of his inexperience but he’s made a solid start to his Sunderland career. B
2. Melker Ellborg
Signed as cover and long-term competition for Roefs and to allow Anthony Patterson to go out on loan. That Sunderland won two of the three league games he featured in when Roefs suffered an injury, including at St James’ Park, is testament to his promise and ability. A tough afternoon at Port Vale was a reflection of his inexperience but he’s made a solid start to his Sunderland career. B | Getty Images
Mukiele had only played a handful of games when many Sunderland fans began to wonder if he was the best defender they had ever seen in red-and-white. Whether it was excelling defensively at centre back or offering a major attacking threat on the overlap at right back, Mukiele was consistently excellent. He also proved time and time again to be a player for the big occasion - his performance in the win at home to Newcastle United will live long in the memory. One of the key leaders in the group, he has been one of a handful of transformative signings for the club. A*
3. Nordi Mukiele
Mukiele had only played a handful of games when many Sunderland fans began to wonder if he was the best defender they had ever seen in red-and-white. Whether it was excelling defensively at centre back or offering a major attacking threat on the overlap at right back, Mukiele was consistently excellent. He also proved time and time again to be a player for the big occasion - his performance in the win at home to Newcastle United will live long in the memory. One of the key leaders in the group, he has been one of a handful of transformative signings for the club. A* | Getty Images
In a campaign where many players from the EFL era struggled for regular game time, it speaks volumes that Hume finished with the third most minutes in the squad. Not only that, but he starred in a number of different positions and didn’t let anyone down in any of them. His glorious volley on final day to send Sunderland on their way to Europe was a fitting reward to a player with an exceptional attitude and capacity to improve. Le Bris and Sunderland could not have asked for any more from him - he’ll play a big role next season. A*
4. Trai Hume
In a campaign where many players from the EFL era struggled for regular game time, it speaks volumes that Hume finished with the third most minutes in the squad. Not only that, but he starred in a number of different positions and didn’t let anyone down in any of them. His glorious volley on final day to send Sunderland on their way to Europe was a fitting reward to a player with an exceptional attitude and capacity to improve. Le Bris and Sunderland could not have asked for any more from him - he’ll play a big role next season. A* | Local Library