Sunderland fans here in the Transfer Tavern have not had many reasons to get a celebratory round in so far this season.
It looks set to be another long long season for those on Wearside, as they face another season fighting to stay in the top division.
Many of us here in the Tavern are at a loss as to why Sunderland always do so badly every season, but somehow manage to stay up by the skin of their teeth. Could this year be the year that their luck finally runs out?
What else seems to be confusing about Sunderland, is their side is not exactly bad. Indeed, the Black Cats on paper have a good mixture of players with a vast amount of Premier League experience.
Below we picked out five players in the current Sunderland side, who arguably have potential to play Champions League football, but at this current time are failing to show it.
Hit Allardyce below to see FIVE members of his squad good enough for Champions League football!
[ffc-gallery]
[/ffc-gallery]
Yann M’Vila
M’Vila already has some experience in the competition, but the loan signing from Rubin Kazan has only shown small glimpses of his talent so far.
A man of the match display against Newcastle United is the best that the French midfielder has managed so far, and a player who has once been linked with several of Europe’s top clubs is playing well under par at the moment.
Jeremain Lens
Like M’Vila, Lens has also had fleeting experience in the Champions League, but the summer signing from Dynamo Kyiv has also been under par so far.
The Dutch winger gave us a glimpse of his talent, as he scored a terrific goal against West Ham United last month.
However, Sunderland fans will be hoping that Lens shows his quality on a more consistent basis soon.
DeAndre Yedlin
The loan signing from Tottenham Hotspur has had a more consistent run in the side of late, and is beginning to show why many are considered him a top prospect for the future.
The American right-wing back is great going forward, and will provide stiff competition to Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier when he returns to White Hart Lane.
Fabio Borini
Though it seems that Fabio Borini has been in English football for quite a while now, he is still only 24.
After struggling to make his mark at Liverpool last season, Borini has returned to the Stadium of Light where he previously had a successful loan spell.
If Borini was able to replicate this form, he could find himself attracting the interest of Champions League clubs once again.
Costel Pantilimon
After spending a few years as Joe Hart’s understudy, the Romanian stopper is beginning to make his name at Sunderland.
Pantilimon was fantastic against Newcastle and despite leaking many goals, has put in some terrific performances for the Black Cats so far.
While Sunderland may go down, many clubs both at home and abroad could be interested in Pantilimon.
