The three Sunderland players for whom 2017/18 could be their breakout season.
Simon Grayson, manager of Sunderland.
Sunderland are currently trying to adjust to life back in the Championship after they ended a ten-year stay in the Premier League in 2017 following relegation.
It has not been plain-sailing for the North East club so far either, with successive league defeats to Leeds United and Barnsley leaving them in 19th after five games.
However, here are three youngsters who could be set to make 2017/18 their breakout season.
Sunderland player Joel Asoro in action during the EFL Cup Round Two match against Shrewsbury Town.
Joel Asoro
Asoro actually made his debut for the Black Cats when he was still only 17-years-old last term under David Moyes, although to date has made just seven appearances for the club.
Close followers of the Carabao Cup this campaign may have spotted the Sweden Under-21 international in action, who although is yet to score for the club is very highly regarded.
Josh Maja of Sunderland is tackled by Marvin Bartley and Lewis Stevenson of Hibernian.
Josh Maja
Like fellow 18-year-old Asoro, this forward was also given his Sunderland debut under Moyes, but so far that has been Maja’s one and only game for the Wearside outfit.
Simon Grayson has named the teenager in his first team squad, though, so don’t be surprised if he starts pushing the more experienced Lewis Grabban and James Vaughan for a place in the starting XI before too long.
Ethan Robson
A central midfielder, this Houghton-le-Spring born 20-year-old is an exciting prospect from the academy who could well make his debut before too long.
Robson’s current contract at the Stadium of Light expires at the end of this season so it could be the last chance he has to impress manager Grayson.
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