Sunderland sixth in Premier League for stat that showcases change made by Regis Le Bris
Sunderland are showing all of the right indications in the Premier League this season.
Sunderland face Everton on Monday night, knowing that three points would take them to 20 for the season, which is typically half of what a team needs to stay in the top flight.
That is just one of several showcases of their adaptation to the Premier League, with the Black Cats sitting fourth in the table ahead of gameweek 10.
However, there is another huge indicator as to where their strengths lie, and they are the sixth best in the division for it.
Regis Le Bris has turned Sunderland into a difficult team
For years, Sunderland lacked physicality and often desire when it came to challenges and duels in a game, but that has changed significantly since they returned to the top flight.
Only five teams in the Premier League have won more duels than the Black Cats, who, after nine games, have won 464.
Some of those include Brighton and Crystal Palace, who have often been known for their strengths off the ball.
- Everton – 519
- Wolves – 503
- Palace – 483
- Man United – 477
- Brighton – 471
- Sunderland – 464
The addition of Granit Xhaka has improved Sunderland massively, not just on the ball, but also off of it, with the Swiss international having won 56 duels himself so far this season.
Players like Dan Ballard and Noah Sadiki have also contributed massively to this stat, which showcases just how much stronger the Black Cats are.
In years gone by, the Wearsiders would often be labelled as a soft team, and Le Bris has installed a nasty yet fair mentality into his players this season.
Granit Xhaka’s importance can’t be overlooked
Not only does Xhaka lead the way for most duels won at Sunderland, but he also leads the way for most international caps in the entire Premier League.
The 33-year-old has represented Switzerland on 141 occasions, which is 20 more than his closest rival, which is Raul Jimenez at Fulham and Mexico.
His experience in top-level football is evident every time he steps onto the pitch, and his tenacity in midfield has been the driving force behind the success that the Black Cats have had.
With Everton favourites to beat Sunderland on Monday, Xhaka will certainly want to have something to say about that.
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