Sunderland’s World Cup contingent set the pace ahead of Premier League rivals | OneFootball

Sunderland’s players are, perhaps surprisingly, setting the pace at the World Cup in North America. Sunderland Echo notes that the Wearside club have 12 players at the finals and several have impressed across the opening fortnight.

Brian Brobbey has put his power and poise to good use for the Netherlands by finding the net. Granit Xhaka, recently linked with a Chelsea move, has provided nous and leadership as Switzerland captain.

Wilson Isidor produced one of the goals of the tournament with a long-range strike for Haiti, albeit in defeat. Nilson Angulo was more successful, his finish helping Ecuador shock Germany to secure a place in the knockout rounds.

Habib Diarra became Sunderland’s fifth different scorer at these finals with a close-range effort in Senegal’s comprehensive win over Iraq on Friday. That took Sunderland level with Crystal Palace on seven group-stage goals supplied by Premier League players.

Behind that leading pair sit Newcastle United, Arsenal and Manchester United on five, with Liverpool and Manchester City on four.

Erling Haaland heads the Premier League contingent with four goals, while Brobbey is among those on three alongside Ismaila Sarr, Matheus Cunha and Yoane Wissa.

Isidor is now heading home before turning attention to pre-season, but several Sunderland team-mates are preparing for knockout ties in the coming days. Their influence at the finals could yet grow.

Source: Sunderland Echo