It has been an excellent start to the campaign for Sunderland and Regis Le Bris, with the Black Cats currently sitting top of the Championship in the second international break.
With nine games played, it’s the first chance to pause and reflect on the campaign so far. Sunderland have impressed fans and neutrals alike, but there’s still more to come from many in the squad. Here, Phil Smith gives his ratings so far... Only players currently in the senior squad who have made a competitive appearance so far this season are included.
13. Chris Rigg
Produced a quite sensational first half of the season, underlining his talent and ability. There have inevitability been some signs of fatigue more recently but he continues to be a central part of the side. It's been a superb campaign so far and the future looks very bright indeed. 8. | Owen Humphreys/PA Wire
14. Jobe Bellingham
Has taken his game to another level this season, really settling into the role as one of the attacking eights in Le Bris's system. Rigg's emergence means he has dropped a little deeper than initially anticipated, showcasing his all-round abilities. Physically and technically excellent and destined for the very top. 8.5. | Frank Reid
15. Milan Aleksic
Would have liked to have played more but this was always going to be a campaign where he was given time and space to adjust to a new language and division. There have been flashes of pace and real individual quality in his cameo appearances, and he almost scored against Millwall and Stoke City. Making decent enough progress. 6 | Frank Reid
16. Harrison Jones
Made his first league appearance against Sheffield Wednesday and did well. Has really impressed the staff behind the scenes at the Academy of Light and so could get more minutes in the weeks ahead. 7 | Frank Reid