Sunderland goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin has recorded back-to-back clean sheets in their last two League One matches.
Sunderland have had a host of key men spearheading their successful campaign so far, with Josh Maja and Chris Maguire the obvious names with 13 goals between them.
Jack Ross’s side have also had some unsung heroes that have got them to third place after 14 matches, including summer arrival Jon McLaughlin, who has been outstanding between the sticks this term.
The Scottish international has made some game-winning saves of late, but fellow new addition Jack Baldwin has admitted his side hope to not rely on their goalkeeper too much this term in an interview with the Chronicle.
When speaking about teammate McLaughlin, Baldwin said: “He’s a top man and when you see him pull off them saves it’s a little boost for you and probably a bit demoralising for the opposition as well. They’ve got a tough task trying to get past him.
“We hope to not rely upon it too much but I don’t know how to explain the feeling of having a goalkeeper you can trust in. He’s brilliant with his feet, he’s comfortable playing his football, he’s comfortable kicking it long when he needs to.”
Ross made some fine signings over the summer, but McLaughlin has arguably been one of the best the Black Cats have made in recent years.
The 31-year-old has made back-to-back clean sheets in the past two matches and has also saved two penalty kicks in 14 matches in the third tier. In short, McLaughlin has been a total contrast to Sunderland’s goalkeeping disaster of last term.
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