Phil Smith's Sunderland half-season player grades as club make stunning start to Premier League return | OneFootball

Sunderland have collected 29 points at the halfway mark of their Premier League return and sit seventh, a start underlined by a 0-0 draw with Manchester City.

This mid-season assessment looks at Regis Le Bris’s squad, their first half of the campaign and what it sets up for 2026. Sunderland Echo notes that only players who have featured in the Premier League and remain under contract are included.

Robin Roefs: an outstanding piece of business. Among the league’s best for save percentage, he is composed with the ball and authoritative on crosses and set plays. There has been the odd error, inevitable given the volume of shots faced, and he already looks worth more than twice his summer fee. Grade: A+.

Trai Hume: handled the step up well. His defensive edge remains, and he has shown the technical and tactical flexibility to fill several roles. Even in the two games he did not start, he came off the bench to influence key wins. Grade: A.

Nordi Mukiele: a transformative addition, bringing experience, quality, power and personality to the back line. Outstanding in the Wear-Tyne derby win, he has quickly become a crowd favourite while keeping a grounded approach. Grade: A+.

Dan Ballard: delivered some outstanding displays and looked at home at this level. A dominant presence in both boxes, he suits the league’s physical intensity. Injuries have caused some frustration, though availability has broadly been good and his combative style carries some risk. Grade: A+.

Source: Sunderland Echo