It has been a great start for Sunderland but there are always improvements to be made. Everyone has played well but which three players could improve?
The Black Cats currently find themselves sitting in fourth place in the Championship as we enter the October international break.
With wins over Southampton, Watford and Blackburn Rovers have been the highlight of a great start to the campaign.
That being said, losses to Middlesbrough, Cardiff City and Ipswich Town have hampered Tony Mowbray’s side.
With almost three months until the January transfer window, the current squad members will have to step up to maintain position. Which three players could improve most?
1. Mason Burstow
The striker is only 20-years old so this inclusion may be harsh but having played nearly 400 minutes, you may expect more than just one assist.
He does have plenty of competition for his position with Luis Hemir, Nazariy Rusyn, and Eliezer Mayenda also coming in over the summer.
If he can get one goal, he may get firing. Burstow scored six goals in League One last campaign and hopefully, he can increase that tally.
Without a senior striker at the club, if Burstow can improve, he could become the main man.
2. Alex Pritchard
This list is hard to collate, there have been so many players who have been great this season.
Pritchard may be a victim of his own success. Last season he scored four and assisted seven as he featured in all but four league games.
In the current season, he hasn’t been poor, but with just two assists, he could improve. Hopefully, once he returns from injury he’ll hit the ground running.
3. Patrick Roberts
Paddy Roberts hasn’t managed a goal involvement so far this season, despite featuring in 12 matches already.
He has had some positive performances but definitely needs to improve in front of goal as soon as possible.
With Jack Clarke linked with moves away, it will become even more necessary that Roberts picks up if his fellow winger is to depart.