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The Defensive Rock

Half a dozen games into their maiden elite season after 2016-17, Sunderland are soaring in the top five. It signifies their best opening to a Premier League campaign in 70 years. A significant portion of this achievement can be linked to their recent acquisitions, and especially the outstanding Mukiele – widely regarded as the second-highest rated performer this campaign.

Brought in for only 12 million pounds in the transfer window, the former Leipzig player was handed his break when a teammate picked up an setback in the early match of the campaign. The prime-aged defender has excelled in the task, delivering a series of excellent showings. In his handful of games, the team have picked up several positive results and conceded only very few strikes. His power and pace have been crucial to the club's positive start.

He attacks the ball forcefully (sitting high up for balls cleared per game in the league), wins his duels (ranking ninth for challenges per match among defenders), and is among only a handful of footballers in the Premier League yet to be passed by a dribbler. The club completed a brilliant piece of business by landing a player of his calibre and ability at such a bargain price.

The Creative Spark

Kudus has wasted no time impressing after his major move. Only one player has a higher number of assists than Kudus (a trio) in the Premier League this campaign. Having been used in various roles at his previous club, he has been placed on the right flank of the offensive unit and is excelling.

One trait that Kudus has brought with him from his spell at his old employer is his skill in face-to-face scenarios. He is number one for effective take-ons in the English division and is only second to a world-class forward in the continent's top five competitions.

In spite of his relentless offensive contributions, he always remembers his work off the ball. He ranks third in the side for challenges per fixture. If Kudus can contribute a handful of goals, his manager might just have a complete performer on his roster.

A Revelation Up Front

Out of the players signed in a enormous recruitment drive, the young striker has stood out. The striker has settled into the manager's system perfectly, with several finishes and one assist in his first nine appearances.

Ekitiké has demonstrated the notion that price tags are unimportant on the pitch. He remained unfazed by the signing of a fellow striker for a unprecedented sum. On the contrary, he has welcomed the competition, making a case to front the offensive line. He remarked, "Our club competes at such a huge institution, and I can't see any top teams playing with merely one striker in their team. It is positive that another striker is here. For me, at my point in development, I have plenty to enhance and learn."

Ekitike is occupying a dressing room with a attacker who notched a prolific tally in the most recent top-flight campaigns, but he is posing his coach a selection dilemma. That shows exactly how remarkable he has been so far this season.

The Slow Starter

Affairs have not exactly progressed as expected for Wirtz this campaign. The expensive signing is yet to find his feet in his new kit. The midfielder has remained goalless or set up a goal in several matches and a pundit has voiced concerns, saying: "In my opinion the equilibrium of the team is optimal, and the obvious one that catches the eye is Florian Wirtz."

There is obviously an concern with Wirtz's contributions, and the young playmaker is needing an adjustment to adapt to the pace of the Premier League, frequently taking too many touches (he records the second-most losses of possession in the side). But it's only the beginning. Wirtz is still adjusting to a new league and country while occupying a unfamiliar duty in a side that is transitioning, with the team experiencing a substantial player turnover this summer.

There are grounds for optimism. He tops the side in opportunities fashioned and has generated a greater number of opportunities than any other Premier League player this campaign in all competitions. He ranks second for take-ons attempted and among the top three for drives into the final third and possessions in the danger area. The finishes and key passes will come.

The Patient Winger

Just moments into his maiden outing on the season's start, Elanga had a golden opportunity to score his maiden goal for his side. But he was prevented by the opposition goalkeeper. That shot carried a high expected goals value, and it still accounts for the lion's share of his Premier League total this campaign.

Elanga joined in the summer with no shortage of anticipation after his major switch. His performance at his previous team was consistent: over thirty goal contributions in 74 top-flight appearances. To date, nevertheless, he has not replicated that production at his current team. A number of appearances have come and gone without a goal or setup.

The manager has been cautious in his selection of the side's third most expensive acquisition. In spite of beginning the initial couple matches of the campaign, he is yet to be named in the first eleven a further elite match, with a teammate chosen while Elanga settles in his surroundings.

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