Who has made the grade for Sunderland so far this season?
Sunderland return from the international break looking to end their seven-game winless run, with their playoff hopes now seemingly all but over.
Here, in part two, we assess each player’s campaign so far ahead of what looks like being a significant summer rebuild..
Hasn’t been able to put up the kind of goals and assists tally he would have liked and has had a few frustrating injuries, but his importance to the side has been laid bare by their attacking struggles without him.
His ability to draw opposition defenders and go past them consistently adds a different dimension to Sunderland’s attack, and helps create the space for Clarke on the other flank.
If Sunderland are to bounce back strongly from their dismal recent run, then Roberts’ will be crucial. B
An exceptional campaign and the standout player.
Clarke has built on his promising campaign last time out and established himself as one of the very best forwards in the division, seemingly destined for the top tier.
The collapse in Sunderland’s attacking output since his recent injury has underlined just how good and important he has been. A*
A difficult campaign to assess. Ba had a really good first half of the season, making some consistent goal contributions and seemingly finding something of a home on the right wing.
The second half of the campaign has been tougher, with the youngster again moved around the pitch and struggling to produce consistently as a result.
A player of undoubted promise but still finding his feet at the level. B
Has had some valuable playing time as he settles into the club ahead of next season and has shown promise.
Has an excellent cross and scored his first goal against Southampton.
Will hope for a strong pre-season to push for an important role in the next campaign. B
Rigg will be hoping for more football between now and the end of the season but with his first senior goals and starts under his belt, as well as plenty of youth international experience, it has already been a very successful campaign.
Brings energy and a touch of quality every time he players, and the level has not looked beyond him despite still being just 16.
If he does choose to sign a pro deal this summer the club have a huge asset on their hands. B+
Has shown flashes of real talent and often makes a positive impact from the bench, but hasn’t yet been able to put together the run of starts he’d have been hoping for.
Interim boss Mike Dodds has said that he feels the forward has made real progress over the last month, raising hopes of a strong end to the campaign ahead of a very important pre-season. C+
Hasn’t really had a chance to prove his worth yet, having been asked to play a number of very different positions in a team struggling for confidence and consistency.
Will hope for more game time to show what he can produce on the ball after the international break. C
Made some decent contributions early on in the campaign but injuries have curtailed his progress and thus far it’s not a move that has really worked out for any party.
Dack is expected to be fit to feature after the international break, but looks unlikely to stay beyond the summer as it stands. D
Hasn’t been able to make a significant impact this season and has seen a loan move in Greece impacted by injury.
Still very young and with a lot of football ahead of him but it has not been an easy year. D
Didn’t have much of a chance to impact the side before moving to Hibs on loan, though that was mainly due to a hamstring injury picked up in his first training session.
Still just 18, was very much a signing for the future. C
Played his part in a strong run of form early after his arrival, even if the goals and chances didn’t flow.
Has found it very difficult to find consistency and regular minutes since then - a loan move that hasn’t really worked for any part. D
Has had a positive impact at times, though mostly from the bench. Looks as if he may be more effective for Sunderland from the wide positions in the long run.
Will hopefully be able to make more of an impact as his English improves and he settles in the area. May not be the answer up front in the long run but looks as if he could have a role to
play. C
Showed his finishing ability in pre-season but has struggled with the intensity of the Championship, particularly out of possession.
Sunderland feel he can still be a big asset in the long run as his fitness improves and he settles in a new environment, but it has clearly been a very tough first season. D