Sunderland’s return to the Premier League has been defined by an exceptional defensive platform, a stark contrast to the struggles that once haunted the club during their previous top-flight battles. Through 12 matches, the Black Cats have conceded just 11 goals and collected five wins, with their organisation and resilience proving central to their early success.
Summer signing Robin Roefs has been a revelation in goal, delivering performances far beyond his years, while Daniel Ballard has handled the Premier League step with remarkable authority, winning more than six duels per match across his seven starts. For a club long accustomed to defensive turmoil, this newfound solidity marks a significant cultural shift.
Even during the more turbulent years in Sunderland’s top-flight past, there was one constant source of stability: John O’Shea. The former Manchester United defender arrived in 2011 after nearly 400 games under Sir Alex Ferguson and was quickly labelled a model professional. His move for around £3m looked inspired, and his leadership, positional sense, and timely interventions made him a cornerstone of multiple survival campaigns. Martin O’Neill once spoke of his “enormous” respect for O’Shea, who missed just 18 league games in his first four seasons. Although his Sunderland journey ended in relegation, he remains widely admired for his reliability and influence.
Today, Ballard’s stature and contribution draw some comparison to O’Shea, but another player in Régis Le Bris’ back line has begun to mirror the Irishman even more closely.
Nordi Mukiele, signed from Paris Saint-Germain over the summer, represented a major coup for Sunderland. With 200 senior appearances across the Bundesliga and Ligue 1, landing him for £12m was a shrewd piece of business. In his prime and keen for a new challenge, the French defender has quickly established himself as one of the side’s most commanding figures.
Mukiele has even surpassed Ballard’s duel-winning numbers, averaging 7.6 per match, while also contributing a goal, an assist, and three clean sheets. His physical presence and consistency have earned high praise, with Sky Sports reporter Andy Sixsmith describing him as a “colossus” in challenges. His £100k-per-week wage reflects his pedigree, and his impact has justified every penny.
Much like O’Shea during his early Sunderland years, Mukiele’s influence can be overlooked by neutrals, particularly with Granit Xhaka drawing widespread attention for his own standout displays. But within Wearside, the Frenchman is already seen as one of the team’s most complete and reliable performers.
If Mukiele continues at this level and helps guide Sunderland to a strong mid-table finish – or even higher – he will surely cement his place among the club’s new generation of heroes, following in the path once carved out by O’Shea.