Sunderland's strongest starting XI based on minutes played this season | OneFootball

Regis Le Bris has leaned on a reliable core as Sunderland chase Europe in a standout Premier League campaign. WhoScored reports that the Black Cats’ most used starting XI can be picked purely from minutes on the pitch.

They have claimed notable wins over Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Brentford, and completed a league double against Newcastle United. There were also hard earned draws with Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool.

In goal it is Robin Roefs, 2,520 minutes, with a back four of Nordi Mukiele 2,165, Omar Alderete 2,356, Dan Ballard 2,008 and Trai Hume 2,585.

The midfield trio by minutes is Granit Xhaka 2,273, Noah Sadiki 2,297 and Habib Diarra 1,103.

Further forward, Enzo Le Fee 2,306, Brian Brobbey 1,370 and Chemsdine Talbi 1,330 complete the front three.

After Sunday’s derby win, Le Bris said hitting 40 points early in a first season felt unexpected, and that injuries and fatigue were testing the squad. He stressed identity and togetherness, recalling the play-offs when they suffered and waited for their moments.

Sunderland resume after the international break three points off the top seven and aiming to extend a bid for only a second European campaign in their history. Several players are expected to return to contention when Tottenham Hotspur visit next month, with Spurs firmly in a relegation battle.

Source: Sunderland Echo