Every Sunderland summer signing ranked by their player rating
We've ranked every Sunderland summer signing by their WhoScored player rating.
Sunderland’s great start to the season got even better when they beat Everton on penalties to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday.
The Black Cats are 10th in the Premier League table with just five defeats from 21 matches so far, and even after a 3-0 defeat to Brentford last time out, they have one of the best defensive records in the division. Of course, Sunderland’s form has been heavily influenced by a lavish summer spend that saw no fewer than 15 players come through the door at the Stadium of Light.
Some of those signings have been more influential than others, so we’ve ranked them by their stats-backed WhoScored rating.
1. Granit Xhaka - 7.13
Granit Xhaka is many people’s pick as signing of the season so far, not just for Sunderland, but across the entire Premier League. The Switzerland international has shown incredible leadership since arriving at the Stadium of Light, while anchoring the midfield with team-highs for passes completed (915), final third passes completed (117), blocks (28) and recoveries (100). Xhaka has also been a creative force, with only three players notching more assists (5) so far. It’s no surprise to see Xhaka top this list.
The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.
2. Omar Alderete - 7.03
Aside from four games out with a head injury, Omar Alderete has been a mainstay at the heart of the Sunderland defence, having joined from Getafe in the summer. The Paraguay international is first among his teammates for shots blocked (17) and second for a host of key metrics, including clearances (106) and interceptions (23). Alderete has also weighed in with the winning goal away at Nottingham Forest in September and an assist on the opening weekend against West Ham. He’s been a fantastic signing so far.
3. Nordi Mukiele - 7.01
Nordi Mukiele has been equally as important as Alderete to Sunderland’s heroic defensive effort so far. But unlike the Paraguayan, he’s switched between centre-back and right-back positions. Wherever he’s played, the Frenchman has been superb, sitting first in Regis Le Bris’ squad for clearances (117), interceptions (28) and tackles (47), and second for aerial duels won (54). Mukiele also has a goal and two assists to his name.
4. Robin Roefs - 6.93
Robin Roefs is one of Xhaka’s biggest rivals for signing of the season, especially given the element of controversy around his signing after how important Anthony Patterson was to Sunderland’s promotion campaign. Roefs is second among Premier League goalkeepers for saves (71) and joint-third for clean sheets (7), saving the Black Cats on a number of occasions. The Dutchman is a key reason why Sunderland have conceded the third-fewest goals (22) in the Premier League.
5. Reinildo Mandava - 6.76
Reinildo has had the left-back spot locked down at Sunderland since his arrival from Atletico Madrid. The 31-year-old has averaged a healthy 1.49 interceptions and 4.65 clearances per 90 minutes in a solid defensive showing. His 6.76 rating is made all the more impressive considering he’s been shown four yellow cards and was sent off early in the campaign against Aston Villa.
6. Bertrand Traore - 6.66
Bertrand Traore has just one goal involvement in the Premier League so far this season, but his rating is boosted by the fact that he’s second among Sunderland players for successful dribbles (14). He’s been solid yet unspectacular.
7. Enzo Le Fee - 6.64
Enzo Le Fee is first among Sunderland players for chances created (29) and second only to Xhaka (5) for assists (4), while he’s also scored twice. A 75.7% pass completion rate and 26.7% success on dribbles - he’s attempted a team-high 30 but completed just eight - drags his rating down, but that just shows he’s willing to take risks.
8. Noah Sadiki - 6.62
Noah Sadiki has been superb in midfield alongside Xhaka, with the two forming one of the most effective partnerships in the Premier League so far. Unfortunately, the DR Congo international’s rating is dragged down slightly due to him being a jack of all trades, chipping in solid numbers on both sides of the ball, but not really standing out in any of them.
9. Arthur Masuaku - 6.41
Arthur Masuaku has played just 127 minutes of Premier League football this season, but has averaged a healthy 2.86 tackles, 5.0 clearances and 0.71 crosses into the penalty area per 90 along the way.
10. Brian Brobbey - 6.40
Brian Brobbey has made a slow start to life as a Sunderland player in terms of goals, scoring just three times in 16 appearances, with an assist on the board as well. Hopefully, his goal in the 1-1 draw against Tottenham recently can serve as a catalyst.
11. Habib Diara - 6.36
Record signing Habib Diarra has played just 26 minutes since September due to a groin injury and a subsequent Afcon call-up. He registered an assist against Brentford in August, but is yet to gain any momentum at the Stadium of Light.
12. Luthsharel Geertruida - 6.35
Lutsharel Geertruida has plugged multiple gaps in the Sunderland squad so far, filling in at right-back, centre-back and defensive midfield when required. That alone makes him a valuable squad member, though it’s also hindered his ability to run up meaningful stats for his WhoScored rating.
13. Simon Adingra - 6.31
Simon Adingra grabbed an assist on the opening weekend of the season, then didn’t register a direct goal involvement until his goal in the 1-1 draw against Leeds in December. There have been flashes of potential, but he’s created just seven chances in 658 minutes.
14. Chemsdine Talbi - 6.29
Chemsdine Talbi has been in and out of the starting line-up since his summer arrival. The winger grabbed an assist against West Ham in the season opener before a series of disappointing performances. However, Talbi scored twice in his last nine appearances before jetting off to Afcon with Morocco, so he’s showing signs that he’s adjusting to the Premier League.
15. Marc Guiu - 6.04
Marc Guiu scored against Huddersfield in the EFL Cup, but played just 13 minutes of Premier League football across two appearances before his loan from Chelsea was abruptly cut short.