The Sunderland player grades for the season so far after turbulent start to crucial campaign
By Phil Smith
Published 7th Jan 2020, 17:00 BST
Updated 7th Jan 2020, 17:21 BST
It has been a frustrating campaign for the Black Cats thus far, sitting in ninth position and well below their expected top-two finish this season.
A troubled campaign on the pitch has seen the departure of Jack Ross and a very difficult for Phil Parkinson.
Nevertheless, an open division means the Black Cats remain very much in contention for the top six at least, with signs of life in recent games.
Phil Smith assesses the campaign so far, player by player...…
Phil Smith assesses the campaign so far, player by player...…
21. CHRIS MAGUIRE
Consistency has again been the key word for the talented forward. Sunderland are better with him in the side at his best but that has not been often enough of late. To his credit, Parkinson has been impressed with his willingness and determination to get back to peak fitness and it is having an obviously positive effect on his performances. B- Photo: FRANK REID 2019
Can probably consider himself unlucky not to have played more football under Parkinson, having been the liveliest and most consistent threat up front in the early weeks of the season. C+ Photo: FRANK REID 2019
Again had little pre-season to speak of, still suffering from playing through a broken foot in the latter stages of the previous campaign. Form understandably suffered before Parkinson took the controversial decision to remove him from the first-team environment, citing concerns regarding the squad atmosphere. A remarkable turnaround given it came only months after his form and attitude was deemed worthy of a contract extension. D Photo: FRANK REID 2019
Needs to be more clinical inside the box if he has to maintain his position as Parkinson’s first choice option up front but his hold-up play has been key for the new boss and it has given him a genuine opportunity to cement his place in the side for the first time since arriving. C + Photo: COPYRIGHT (C) FRANK REID 20187