Not many people would have predicted that after almost one third of the Championship season, Sunderland would find themselves sitting at the top of the table. The Black Cats have enjoyed a superb start under Regis Le Bris, and at this early stage, very much boast the look of genuine promotion contenders.
Partially, their new head coach is to thank for the club’s upturn in fortunes, but credit also has to go to his squad, who have shone brightly during the early exchanges of the campaign. From teenage sensations Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham, to new signings Wilson Isidor and Chris Mepham, to more established names like Dennis Cirkin and Patrick Roberts, plenty in red and white have given good accounts of themselves, but who has been Sunderland’s best player so far?
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We’ve turned to stats gurus Whoscored for a definitive answer. The number-crunchers cast a beady eye over every Championship match and award all involved a rating based on their performance, and by taking an average of these figures, we have been able to rank the entirety of the Black Cats’ dressing room from lowest to highest. Check out the full gallery below...

9. 14. Wilson Isidor - 6.68
Feels like a shockingly low ranking given his five goals and everything he has offered the Black Cats since assuming the role of Regis Le Bris' first choice striker. | Frank Reid

10. 13. Dan Neil - 6.68
Neil has his detractors at times, but he has been largely stellar this season, and continues to occupy a key role at the base of midfield. | Getty Images

11. 12. Aji Alese - 6.74
Might have gone under the radar a touch, but Alese was brilliant during the opening exchanges of the season, and it is a real shame that he picked up a long term injury that kept him sidelined for so long. On the cusp of a comeback now, pleasingly. Photo: Nigel French

12. 11. Simon Moore - 6.75
Deputised admirably for Anthony Patterson during the number one's recent period of absence. A very dependable back-up option. | Frank Reid


