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…

Started pre-season really well and was impressing the coaching staff before his progress was severely impacted by injury. Had started a loan spell at Oxford brightly before another injury. Another who needs a bit of luck and a good pre-season as he bids to get back on track. Rating: 3/10

17. JAY MATETE

Started pre-season really well and was impressing the coaching staff before his progress was severely impacted by injury. Had started a loan spell at Oxford brightly before another injury. Another who needs a bit of luck and a good pre-season as he bids to get back on track. Rating: 3/10 | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid

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Like Matete, just had the most wretched luck with injury that prevented him from making a real impact both at Sunderland and when out on loan. Like Matete, needs some luck and a good pre-season. Rating: 3/10

18. ELLIOT EMBLETON

Like Matete, just had the most wretched luck with injury that prevented him from making a real impact both at Sunderland and when out on loan. Like Matete, needs some luck and a good pre-season. Rating: 3/10 | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid

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Has been a huge success even if there were times when it seemed clear that fatigue was impacting his otherwise impressive performances. Showed an eye for goal and a tactical maturity to play in a wide variety of roles. In need of a good rest this summer and the key is then to try and find a settled role for him over the course of the summer, enabling him to kick on from this promising start. Rating: 8/10

19. JOBE BELLINGHAM

Has been a huge success even if there were times when it seemed clear that fatigue was impacting his otherwise impressive performances. Showed an eye for goal and a tactical maturity to play in a wide variety of roles. In need of a good rest this summer and the key is then to try and find a settled role for him over the course of the summer, enabling him to kick on from this promising start. Rating: 8/10 | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid

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Made a major step forward in his career. Started the season brightly and while he found it hard to break into the team after his return from the U17 World Cup, he finished the season with a real flourish. His rise was probably one of the few positives from the final months of the campaign and he looks ready to kick on again in pre-season, providing he signs a professional contract next month as is widely hoped. Rating: 7.5/10

20. CHRIS RIGG

Made a major step forward in his career. Started the season brightly and while he found it hard to break into the team after his return from the U17 World Cup, he finished the season with a real flourish. His rise was probably one of the few positives from the final months of the campaign and he looks ready to kick on again in pre-season, providing he signs a professional contract next month as is widely hoped. Rating: 7.5/10 | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid

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