HITC looks at the Sunderland players who should be showing more so far in 2017/18.
Sunderland manager Simon Grayson.
Sunderland return to Championship action this weekend with a home clash against newly promoted Sheffield United hoping to improve results.
Successive defeats to Leeds United and Barnsley has left the Black Cats in 19th position with five points from their first five games and there are some in Simon Grayson’s squad who need to improve.
Here are the four most disappointing players of 2017/18 so far.
Brendan Galloway of Sunderland takes on Bradley Johnson and Johnny Russell of Derby County.
4. Brendan Galloway
Maybe a little harsh on the Everton loanee as he started the campaign well, but defensively the 21-year-old has much to learn and Bryan Oviedo will be hoping to make the left-back role his own ahead of Galloway.
3. Billy Jones
On the opposite side of defence you usually know what you are getting with Jones – a solid, if unremarkable, performance at right-back – but in more recent times the 30-year-old has looked suspect, particularly against pacey wingers.
Darron Gibson of Sunderland looks on before the Carabao Cup First Round match against Bury.
2. Darron Gibson
Things didn’t start well for Gibson this campaign when he was filmed criticising his teammates following a 5-0 friendly defeat to Celtic, as reported by the Telegraph, with playing opportunities limited since as a result and poor form when he does get on the pitch.
1. Robbin Ruiter
The summer departure of Jordan Pickford and Vito Mannone meant for a changing of the guard in goal. Luke Steele was initially number one, but Ruiter got his chance against the Tykes – with three going past the 30-year-old as he struggled. Expect Steele back soon.
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