Sunderland has finally signed their next Clarke in “phenomenal” ace

Sunderland fans would have been fearing another season in the Championship that resembled much of last campaign’s shambles, as the Black Cats’ inconsistencies got the better of them again in such an unforgiving division.

But, the Wearside outfit – heading into a hectic December fixture schedule – remain in and around the top spot in the unpredictable league, with Regis Le Bris’ appointment working wonders on the young and hungry sections of the Sunderland team.

Even when results haven’t always been going their way, the youthful Championship promotion candidates have managed to come out the other side stronger for it, with a number of key performers sticking out so far.

Key Sunderland performers this season

It’s not only the inexperienced heads that are excelling under the fresh managerial methods of Le Bris, with the likes of Patrick Roberts sticking out recently when being thrown back into the XI against Stoke City.

Before beating the Potters at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland had been winless in seven, but with the 27-year-old back on the right wing, a 2-1 victory was secured.

He would roll back the years with a daring display on the right channel, notching up three successful dribbles, alongside also assisting his side’s crucial winner late on.

Moving away from this important three points in isolation, both Luke O’Nien and Trai Hume have also shone as more seasoned members of the group across the course of the season to date, whilst both Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg continue to flourish as more raw figures still learning the ropes.

This straightforward finish from Rigg against Leeds United back in October was just one of three strikes he’s managed in league action, despite only being 17, whilst Bellingham – who is only two years his senior – has three assists next to his name alongside three goals.