Sunderland's strongest starting XI based on minutes played this season
Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris has relied on the consistency of several key players during the Black Cats return to the Premier League.
Sunderland are heading into the final weeks of the season looking to push themselves firmly into the race for a European place.
As it stands ahead of Friday night’s home game with Nottingham Forest, Regis Le Bris’ side are sitting just two points adrift of the top seven - and there are genuine hopes a second venture into Europe can be secured over the coming weeks. Some difficult tests lie in wait with the home clash with Forest followed by away days at already relegated Wolves and Everton and Stadium of Light clashes with fellow European contenders Manchester United and Chelsea.
The season has already surpassed all expectations as a newly promoted Black Cats side had delivered an emphatic response to suggestions they would be unable to compete amongst the elite of English football and a highly ambitious and successful summer transfer window has played a key role in helping Le Bris’ side thrive in the Premier League.
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The former Lorient boss has been able to forge a strong spine made up of shrewd additions made ahead of the season with Dutch goalkeeper Robin Roefs, former Getafe defender Omar Alderete and striker Brian Brobbey all proving their worth throughout the season. The surprise addition of former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka has proven to be the catalyst for a successful season with the Switzerland international providing an abundance of knowhow, leadership and nous.
There is no surprise Le Bris has relied on a number of key players throughout the campaign - but who would make the Black Cats starting eleven if it was based on minutes played throughout the league season?
Sunderland’s strongest XI based on minutes played
GK: Robin Roefs - 2,700 minutes DF: Nordi Mukiele - 2,337 minutes DF: Omar Alderete - 2,509 minutes DF: Dan Ballard - 2,035 minutes DF: Trai Hume - 2,620 minutes MF: Granit Xhaka - 2,453 minutes MF: Noah Sadiki - 2,477 minutes MF: Habib Diarra - 1,283 minutes FW: Enzo Le Fee - 2,486 minutes FW: Brian Brobbey - 1,544 minutes FW: Chemsdine Talbi - 1,365 minutes