With the 2023/24 season now well underway, it is time to complete the first instalment of our power rankings this season.
Sunderland have enjoyed a mostly positive start to the season which sees Tony Mowbray‘s side rest in fourth. Right now, looking like a playoff favourite with automatic promotion nine points away.
The Black Cats have had an up and down season though as despite all their wins, the odd heavy defeat has been inflicted, ie Middlesbrough 4-0.
Sunderland’s power rankings top 10 show the story of just of good Sunderland have been.
Sunderland Power Rankings
1) Jack Clarke
Jack Clarke grabs top spot in our rankings after his incredible displays this season already.
Stats via SofaScore show seven goals scored, which sees him in joint top position in the golden boot race through his 11 games played. Despite not contributing assists, he has created three big chances which demonstrates his creativity.
Clarke therefore gets top spot as he is a huge part of everything good this season.
2) Dan Neil
Dan Neil has been excellent this season, and a huge part of the success. An ever present in midfield, Neil has been the leader and experienced head which has been needed alongside younger players.
He has also contributed offensively with two goals and two assists. He also provides real safety in possession with a 90% pass completion rate.
Neil has been so vital this season which is why he grabs second place in our power rankings.
3) Daniel Ballard
Daniel Ballard has been another ever present player for Sunderland this season.
He has made two team of the week line-ups, as he averaged 90 minutes per game. Two goals have also been scored by the defender.
He has contributed to keeping four clean sheets and averaged over 12 defensive actions per game.
4) Jobe Bellingham
Jobe Bellingham has become one of the most consistent players in Tony Mowbray’s team, with regular 7/10 performances.
Playing in an attacking midfield position, Bellingham has been so good and continues to grow week on week.
At just 18, Bellingham isn’t near his final form which is a signal to how good he is already. So he grabs fourth in our rankings, but as the season goes on, we expect he will move up.
5) Anthony Patterson
Anthony Patterson could have been higher here than fifth, but he has just conceded four against Middlesbrough.
Despite this heavy defeat, prior to that game, just seven were conceded in 10 games.
Patterson has made 27 saves and prevented 2.06 goals through four clean sheets.
He has been a huge part of the success Sunderland have enjoyed this season.
6) Abdoullah Ba
Another player who has become a regular lately for the Black Cats, has been Abdoullah Ba. Ba has started seven games this season and really kicked on lately become a regular starter.
Two goals and one assist this season from midfield, all in his last seven games.
With scope to continue improving, Ba gets sixth.
7) Alex Pritchard
In seventh, Alex Pritchard gets the nod due to his impressive form over the last few weeks. Regular 7.5/10 ratings showcase how impressive he has been.
Two assists in his last three games, both coming in victories over Blackburn and Sheffield Wednesday.
Seventh for Pritchard as he can’t get higher after only starting three games, he could be one to watch through the remainder of the season.
8) Pierre Ekwah
Pierre Ekwah started his season on fire as he played in the first six games before being ruled out with an injury since September.
Early on though, he established himself in the starting XI, his highlight coming in the 5-0 win over Sunderland where he scored two goals.
With a return expected imminently, we are excited to see him back in action, eighth for Ekwah.
9) Bradley Dack
Bradley Dack is another who has struggled with injury, however he has when played been really good.
Just four appearances have resulted in one goal and an assist.
Upon his return we expect he will add to this, a return which is also said to be imminent. Ninth for Dack.
10) Trai Hume
Trai Hume has been ever present this season for Sunderland with 11 starts in which he has been selected for a team of the week.
He has added one assist this season from right-back, at just 21-years-old, Hume has been so impressive.
He is another who is likely to improve as the season continues.