Campaign ended on a flat note as he dropped to the bench, bringing an end to his hugely impressive run of consecutive league appearances. On the whole another positive campaign. There perhaps weren’t the same level of eye-catching saves as there had been in the 18 months previous but his command of his box and his distribution continues to steadily improve. His consistency remains very impressive given his age and his position. Likely to be top-tier interest this summer, which tells you everything you need to know about his quality. Rating: 7/10placeholder image
Campaign ended on a flat note as he dropped to the bench, bringing an end to his hugely impressive run of consecutive league appearances. On the whole another positive campaign. There perhaps weren’t the same level of eye-catching saves as there had been in the 18 months previous but his command of his box and his distribution continues to steadily improve. His consistency remains very impressive given his age and his position. Likely to be top-tier interest this summer, which tells you everything you need to know about his quality. Rating: 7/10

The Sunderland AFC end-of-season player ratings and what they tell us about the rebuild ahead - gallery

Phil Smith
By Phil Smith

Sunderland AFC Writer

Published 7th May 2024, 16:02 GMT
Updated 7th May 2024, 16:06 GMT

Sunderland’s Championship campaign ended in a disappointing 16th-placed finish

Sunderland’s 2023/24 campaign came to a disappointing conclusion on Saturday as they fell to a 2-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.

It was a season that started with much promise after the brilliant sixth-placed finish the Black Cats managed to achieve in their first campaign back in the Championship. Despite some persistent struggles in the final third Sunderland looked well placed to at least to push to repeat that feat, but the departure of Tony Mowbray began a spiral all the way down to 16th. It looks set to be a crucial summer at Sunderland as they prepare to name Michael Beale’s permanent successor. And what next for the playing squad? Here, we assess every player in the senior squad over the course of the season, rate their campaign and discuss what it means for the bid rebuild ahead…

In the end it was another campaign of frustration as injuries prevented him putting any significant run of games together. The positive is that in the two spells he was fit he looked in good shape and was one of the team’s better performers. With a good pre-season, he could be a permanent fixture in the XI next season and help solve what has in this campaign been an often troublesome left side of defence. Rating: 5/10

9. AJI ALESE

In the end it was another campaign of frustration as injuries prevented him putting any significant run of games together. The positive is that in the two spells he was fit he looked in good shape and was one of the team’s better performers. With a good pre-season, he could be a permanent fixture in the XI next season and help solve what has in this campaign been an often troublesome left side of defence. Rating: 5/10 | Frank Reid Photo: FRANK REID

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Made a solid start at left back but performances dipped as Sunderland’s season began to ebb away and was left out of the squad at times over the last few games. His preferred position is at centre back and as Alese and Cirkin return to fitness, he may hope for a chance to push his claims there in pre-season. Competition will be significant, either way. Rating: 5/10

10. LEO HJELDE

Made a solid start at left back but performances dipped as Sunderland’s season began to ebb away and was left out of the squad at times over the last few games. His preferred position is at centre back and as Alese and Cirkin return to fitness, he may hope for a chance to push his claims there in pre-season. Competition will be significant, either way. Rating: 5/10 | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid

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Has had a very frustrating campaign due to injury after signing a new, long-term deal last summer. Both he and Alese have been huge misses over the course of the campaign and the club will be desperate to keep them fit next year. Has the potential to be a pillar in the starting XI and will himself be determined to kick on. A massive talent who needs a good summer and a bit of luck. Rating: 3/10

11. DENNIS CIRKIN

Has had a very frustrating campaign due to injury after signing a new, long-term deal last summer. Both he and Alese have been huge misses over the course of the campaign and the club will be desperate to keep them fit next year. Has the potential to be a pillar in the starting XI and will himself be determined to kick on. A massive talent who needs a good summer and a bit of luck. Rating: 3/10 Photo: Frank Reid

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An outstanding first half of the campaign, in which he demonstrated his potential as a top Championship full back both in attack and defence. His goal against Watford was one of the highlights of the campaign, but a devastating setback against Coventry means he won’t be back on the pitch until some time next year. Rating: 5/10

12. NIALL HUGGINS

An outstanding first half of the campaign, in which he demonstrated his potential as a top Championship full back both in attack and defence. His goal against Watford was one of the highlights of the campaign, but a devastating setback against Coventry means he won’t be back on the pitch until some time next year. Rating: 5/10 | Frank Reid Photo: FRANK REID

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