Sunderland’s strongest XI of 2025/26, based on Premier League minutes | OneFootball

Sunderland’s return to the Premier League became a landmark campaign, capped by the club qualifying for the Europa League for the first time in their history.

Regis Le Bris and his side defied low pre-season expectations after promotion via a Championship play-off final win over Sheffield United. According to Sunderland Echo, an astute summer brought Robin Roefs, Granit Xhaka and Brian Brobbey to Wearside, setting the platform for what followed.

The tone was set on opening day as promotion mainstays Dan Ballard, Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda all scored in a comfortable win against West Ham United. A defeat at Burnley a week later proved a rare setback.

Highlights piled up, including victories over Chelsea and Nottingham Forest and a league double against Newcastle United. Stubborn draws with Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa and eventual champions Arsenal underpinned a seventh-place finish.

Based on Premier League minutes, Sunderland’s ‘strongest’ XI reads as follows. GK Robin Roefs 3,150, RB Trai Hume 3,040, LB Nordi Mukiele 2,802, CB Dan Ballard 2,149, CB Omar Alderete 2,936, CM Granit Xhaka 2,903, CM Noah Sadiki 2,896, CM Habib Diarra 1,408, RW Chemsdine Talbi 1,565, LW Enzo Le Fee 2,936, ST Brian Brobbey 1,934.

Source: Sunderland Echo