Alious
Sunderland AFC, like many EFL clubs, has seen numerous talented players pass through their doors over the past decade. Let’s explore the best possible XI they could field today if they had retained their top talent from 2014 onwards, including both current players and realistic loan signings.
The theoretical XI lines up as follows:
GK: Jordan Pickford – Now Everton and England’s #1, left for £30m in 2017 after 35 appearances for his hometown club.
Defense:
– RB: Javier Manquillo (Celta Vigo)
– CB: Sebastián Coates (Nacional) – Former Sporting CP captain with 350+ appearances
– CB: Jason Denayer (Al Fateh) – Belgian international who impressed during 2016-17 loan
– LB: Patrick van Aanholt (Free Agent) – Attack-minded fullback with 20 Premier League goals
Midfield:
– CM: Dan Neil – Current club captain at just 22
– CM: Chris Rigg – 17-year-old wonderkid drawing comparisons to Jude Bellingham
Attack:
– RW: Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth) – Brief 2020 loan spell before Premier League rise
– LW: Jack Clarke (Ipswich) – Recently departed after 42 goal involvements in 89 Championship games
– CF: Fabio Borini (Sampdoria) – Fan favorite known for crucial goals during relegation battles
– ST: Josh Maja (West Brom) – Netflix documentary star who left after scoring 15 in half a League One season
Notable aspects of this XI include Pickford’s rise to England stardom, Coates’ successful career after leaving England, and the current promise of academy products Neil and Rigg. The forward line features players who’ve all found success after departing Wearside.
Alious
