We are just days away from the end of 2023 – one of the best years in Sunderland’s recent history.
The Black Cats began 2023 with a draw against Blackpool that left them sixth in the Championship, before enjoying a draw against Fulham in the FA Cup, wins over Middlesbrough, West Brom and Preston North End, as well as a special play-off first leg victory.
Not everything was perfect though. Sunderland were beaten by Rotherham and Stoke City, while things only seem to get worse once they had failed to reach the play-off final.
The Wearside outfit find themselves starting 2024 with a new manager, though Tony Mowbray certainly won’t be forgotten.
The former head coach completely transformed this team into an extremely young squad who regularly played exceptional football. Mowbray developed our kids into potential world-beaters.
It is thanks to Mowbray and those players that us fans now have such high expectations – but it is probably down to a few special players in particular.
While a majority of Sunderland’s squad have enjoyed a unforgettable year at the Stadium of Light, here are our three best.
Jack Clarke
Let’s start off with the most obvious – Jack Clarke.
The winger didn’t look quite as comfortable in League One and his permanent move to Wearside raised my own eyebrows, but I certainly regret ever questioning the decision.
Clarke has 21 goals and 15 assists this year. He scored numerous vital goals against the likes of Blackburn Rovers, Millwall, Coventry and Hull City, single-handedly claiming points with his brilliant skill, pace and eye for goal.
There is a reason why the 23-year-old has attracted interest from the Premier League and there is no doubt that he will play there eventually – whether it be with us or not.
Trai Hume
Trai Hume was relatively unknown in Sunderland before arriving from Linfield in January 2022.
After a tough start to life on Wearside, the ‘excellent’ full-back was given a chance as a regular starter under Tony Mowbray and hasn’t looked back since.
Picking up two goals and two assists last season, Hume was a very important part of Sunderland’s backline and was one constant even when the entire defence seemed to be sidelined.
The Northern Ireland international has only improved this term. Hume has racked up the most tackles in the whole of the Championship (75), the eighth-most interceptions (36) and the eighth-most crosses blocked (9).
Hume has six clean sheets to his name this term and there is no doubting that the team would have conceded plenty more goals if it wasn’t for one of the best right-backs in the league… in my opinion.
Amad Diallo
Perhaps a controversial one as he left Sunderland in May, but the level of Amad Diallo‘s impact puts him straight in the top three.
The Ivorian was easily one of the best players that I have ever seen play for my club, as he netted 14 goals to help us reach the play-offs. There is absolutely no chance we would have enjoyed so much success without him.
His dribbling, shooting and vision, alongside every other mouth-watering trait, is exactly why Manchester United are now considering giving him a chance in their first team.
Amad quickly became a fan favourite for Sunderland and his absence this season shows exactly how important he was.
While Jack Clarke has continued his brilliant form, the Black Cats’ attack have clearly been missing something since Amad left. Patrick Roberts formed such a positive relationship with the 21-year-old, but his standard has dramatically dropped without the ‘bromance’.
If Amad returned on loan in January then Sunderland could well get promoted to the Premier League. He is too good to replace, even with someone as good as Jobe Bellingham playing in that midfield role.