Sunderland has made a strong start, but there is always room for growth. Everyone has performed admirably, but which three players could improve?
As we approach the October international break, the Black Cats are now fourth in the Championship.
Wins over Southampton, Watford, and Blackburn Rovers have highlighted a strong start to the season.
However, defeats to Middlesbrough, Cardiff City, and Ipswich Town have hampered Tony Mowbray’s team.
With less than three months until the January transfer deadline, the current team members will have to step up to keep their spots. Which three players have the most room for improvement?
Mason Burstow is the first name.
The striker is only 20 years old, so this selection may seem harsh, but with nearly 400 minutes played, you can expect more than one assist.
He will have stiff competition for his place, with Luis Hemir, Nazariy Rusyn, and Eliezer Mayenda joining the team this summer.
If he can score one goal, he may be fired. Burstow scored six goals in League One last season and will be hoping to add to that total this season.
Burstow has the potential to become the club’s main striker if he improves.
Alex Pritchard is number two.
This list is hard to collate, there have been so many players who have been fantastic this season.
Pritchard might be a victim of his own fame. Last season, he scored four goals and assisted on seven others while appearing in all but four league games.
He hasn’t been bad this season, but with only two assists, he could do better. Hopefully, once he’s recovered from his injuries, he’ll be able to hit the ground running.
Patrick Roberts, third
Despite appearing in 12 games this season, Paddy Roberts has yet to score a goal.
He’s had some good games, but he needs to get better in front of goal as soon as possible.
With Jack Clarke linked with moves abroad, it will be much more important for Roberts to step up if his fellow winger leaves.
