Sunderland are enduring a fairly calamitous 2024, following a 2023 that had so many highs.
Last time round, Sunderland defied the odds to achieve a top six finish in the Championship under Tony Mowbray.
And they were on course to challenge once again this season, but for the club deciding to sack Mowbray and hire Michael Beale.
The former QPR and Rangers boss lasted just 12 games at the Stadium of Light, winning four and causing a huge rift between himself and the fans, and seemingly between the Sunderland owners and the fans too.
Sunderland sacked Beale last month and placed Dodds in charge, though in five games he’s taken just one point, with Sunderland now winless in seven.
Ahead of a much-needed two-week break, we rate every Sunderland player’s performances in 2024 so far…
Anthony Patterson
Patterson was the standout man against QPR last time out.
He reminded everyone of his shot-stopping qualities after what’s been a fairly mixed season for him at times. 7/10
Dan Ballard
Like Patterson, Ballard remains a well-liked and important member of the team albeit having had one or two off performances in 2024, against Birmingham City and Southampton in particular. 7/10
Leo Hjelde
It’s been a rocky start to life at Sunderland for Hjelde.
He looked very steady at first but then changes in the shape of the team and having to fill in at centre-back has shot his momentum and confidence it seems. 6/10
Trai Hume
Mr Consistent himself has been typically formidable and reliable all season; the fact he’s rarely spoken about is typical of a classy full-back. 7.5/10
Luke O’Nien
O’Nien is a very tricky case; he’s well-liked by Sunderland fans but he’s become a source of debate in recent weeks.
He’s an ever-present in the side and his experience is key, but whether he really is better in defence than midfield remains to be seen. 6.5/10
Timothee Pembele
Not seen enough of Pembele to really judge him yet. But the fact he can barely break into a team with so many injuries in defence should tell us he’s not yet at the level required. 5.5/10
Jenson Seelt
Seelt looks like a very good player in the making. He’s definitely made progress as the season’s gone on and if he makes a full recovery from his knee injury, he’ll become a top player. 7/10
Adil Aouchiche
Another tricky case is Aouchiche. He’s arguably been Sunderland’s liveliest attacking player in recent weeks as he works himself into contention, though there’s still room for improvement. 6.5/10
Abdoullah Ba
Ba has been very disappointing in 2024. Barring that strong performance in the 3-1 win vs Stoke City, he’s offered very little, and during Sunderland’s time of need without Jack Clarke. 5/10
Pierre Ekwah
It’s been a hit and miss season and a hit and miss 2024 for Ekwah, who remains a player with potential, but not yet consistency. 6/10
Dan Neil
Neil shone against QPR. He showed his class and perhaps reminded fans why he’s wanted in the Premier League, with another strong season under his belt. 7/10
Chris Rigg making Sunderland breakthrough
Rigg has been a positive for Sunderland in 2024. He’s breaking into the first-team and despite spots of naivety in his game, he’s proving to be a useful player. 6.5/10
Callum Styles
Styles hasn’t had the impact many thought he would have. It’s difficult to see why Sunderland signed him as Dodds and co don’t know where to play him. Poor all round. 5/10
Jobe Bellingham
Another player who can prove divisive among Sunderland fans. His six goals this season makes him one of the leading scorers and his goal at Southampton showcased his class. He’ll only get better. 6.5/10
Mason Burstow
Ineffective whenever he starts, but one of the few strikers fit and available to Dodds right now. 5/10
Jack Clarke
His injury and the subsequent drop in form tells us all we need to know about his quality. Was looking good before his injury.8/10
Nazariy Rusyn
A frustrating player who’s probably frustrated himself that he’s often overlooked for the likes of Luis Hemir. And now he’s injured. 5.5/10
Patrick Roberts
Not a great season for Roberts, though injury has limited him with just three appearances in 2024. 5/10
Luis Hemir
Hemir has been a huge talking point of late.
He’ been given several starts by Dodds but once again, Hemir is failing to impress, often blasted for his lethargic nature and lack of runs in attack. 4/10