Sunderland have been excellent so far this season and currently sit third in League One.
Jack Ross’ Sunderland have been excellent in League One this season, with the Black Cats third in the league and having been beaten just once away to Burton Albion.
The Wearside team had hit a slight bump in the road at the start of September and went without a win in three matches, but a 4-1 win over Rochdale was the result they needed.
And key to Sunderland’s impressive opening nine fixtures has been their three top performers, all of which have contributed to the opening two months in different ways.
Jack Baldwin
The Black Cats signed Baldwin from Peterborough United this summer and the central defender has been nothing short of fantastic and a key part in Sunderland’s defensive organisation so far this term.
The 25-year-old has been arguably one of the best buys Sunderland have made in recent years, with his stylish and unique style of defending, as well as his no-nonsense attitude alongside Glenn Loovens, who Baldwin has formed an excellent partnership with.
Chris Maguire
Tricky winger Maguire made the switch from Bury to Sunderland this summer and has offered goals and creativity since joining, scoring three goals and assisting twice. The wide man has been at the centre of everything positive on Wearside so far this season, with his best game coming against Rochdale last weekend.
Josh Maja
Easily the best performer of Sunderland’s first nine fixtures in League One has been 19-year-old Maja, who picked up the accolade of player of the month for August and has now stretched his tally to seven goals in nine matches. The youngster’s awareness inside the box has been excellent, but his ability to hold off defenders has improved massively.
The Sunderland faithful will be hoping the three key men can continue to impress this season, with the former Premier League regulars desperate to gain promotion come the end of the campaign.
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