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...

17. 6. Luke O'Nien - 6.96
Surely any lingering debate over his suitability as a centre-back has to be put to bed after his start to the current campaign. Solid and assured for the most part, he is an absolute stalwart of this Sunderland side. | Kian Abdullah/Huw Evans Agency

18. 5. Trai Hume - 7.06
Not as attention grabbing as fellow full-back Dennis Cirkin, Hume has nevertheless been brilliant for Regis Le Bris' side. Photo: Nigel French

19. 4. Chris Mepham - 7.11
Solid as a rock since he came into the side, the Wales international has proven himself to be a major asset. | Chris Mepham

20. 3. Jobe Bellingham - 7.13
Jobe has kicked on brilliantly this season. His ongoing three-game ban has been keenly felt, and he continues to dominate midfield battles against players vastly more experienced than he is. | Getty Images


