Robbin Ruiter joined Sunderland on a free transfer from Utrecht this summer and has been biggest surprise of the season so far.
Sunderland, manager Simon Grayson.
Sunderland have certainly been through a summer of transition, with 13 players leaving the club and 10 being brought in by manager Simon Grayson.
Not everything was a success in the transfer market, but in general it looks as if Grayson has at least tried to address the issues in the squad with the signings he has made.
Robbin Ruiter of Utrecht is congratulated be the fans after winning the Eredivisie Europa League Play off match.
Yet arguably the biggest surprise has been securing goalkeeper Robbin Ruiter, who if most Black Cats fans were honest was an unknown entity to them when he arrived as a free agent from Utrecht.
A new stopper was needed following the departure of Jordan Pickford and Vito Mannone during the window, to Everton and Reading respectively, so Grayson brought in Ruiter and the more well know Jason Steele from relegated Blackburn Rovers.
Steele has been preferred between the sticks in general so far this season, but there is hope for his Dutch rival having played the two matches directly before the international break.
Jason Steele of Blackburn Rovers during The Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match against Manchester United.
Admittedly a 3-0 league defeat to Barnsley was hardly a great result in support of Ruiter, but that was more a defensive problem and early signs suggests he has a bit more about him than the former Rovers man.
If the 30-year-old does turn out to be a success at the Stadium of Light then it could prove to be the biggest surprise, and shrewdest decision, of Grayson’s tenure on Wearside so far.
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