HITC picks out the five players who have performed best for Sunderland so far this season.
George Honeyman of Sunderland celebrates after scoring the first goal during the Carabao Cup First Round match against Bury.
It has been a tricky start to the 2017/18 Championship season for Sunderland, who followed up decent away results against Norwich City and Sheffield Wednesday with successive defeats to Leeds United and Barnsley.
The Black Cats are currently 19th in the table and one point outside of the relegation zone with five points, one win, two draws and two losses from their first five games.
Not that everything has been negative, though, and here are their five best players so far this term.
Lewis Grabban of Sunderland and Alex Whitmore of Bury in action during the Carabao Cup First Round.
5. Lewis Grabban
Bagged three goals in his opening two games to make an instant impact after completing his loan from Bournemouth, the striker is the brightest spark in and around the box.
4. Lamine Kone
Someone constantly linked with a move away from the Stadium of Light this summer after relegation from the Premier League, Kone didn’t leave in the end but more defensive performances like he has been giving could see that happen in January.
Didier N’dong of Sunderland in action.
3. Didier Ndong
Another who was predicted to move on this summer, Ndong is finally starting to show fans what he is capable of in midfield after becoming a club record signing in 2016.
2. Lee Cattermole
The Championship is ideally suited for Cattermole, who is no stranger to a physical battle and the midfielder is exactly the type of leader and enforcer the North East club need if they want to get back out of the division.
1. Aiden McGeady
Was a leading light at this level while on loan from Everton at Preston North End last term and having now permanently joined Simon Grayson at Sunderland, the winger is the creative outlet that all the attacking play goes through.
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