Sunderland has been home to a countless number of world class footballers throughout its extensive history. From Brown to Borini, Gabbiadini to Gooch, the starting eleven is spoilt for choice it seems, but here’s my XI, and why.
GK: JIM MONTGOMERY
Let’s start between the sticks and look no further than the hero of ’73- Jimmy Montgomery. The saves speak for themselves, really, but he was pivotal in that iconic cup lift and has undoubtedly cemented his name in Wearside folklore for many, many more years to come. Although I never got to see him play in the flesh, I’ve heard countless stories from older generations about his monumental efforts.
CB: JOHN O'SHEA AND WES BROWN
The two centre-halves, the backbone of the team as they say. I’m putting my life on John O’Shea winning that tackle. He held authority at the back and his experiences with Champions league winners Manchester United made him a crucial part of Sunderland’s makeup towards the end of their premier league era. Who better to accompany him than his Manchester united counterpart, Wes Brown? Brown’s consistency was unmatched. It’s such a shame that we signed them towards the end of their careers, as admittedly the pace of this defensive partnership is sorely lacking. I think their partnership is more appreciated today than maybe it was then, but I look back on the duo fondly.
FB: PATRICK VAN AANHOLT AND LUKE O'NIEN
Full backs. Patrick Van Aanholt and Luke O’Nien. Although deployed as more of a midfielder now, and actually a midfielder by trade, I adore Luke O’Nien’s passion and commitment, I simply couldn’t leave him out. He is a player who every supporter loves, and who every opponent hates. The man lives for a big tackle. I think PVA slipped under the radar at times. Any set piece within shooting range, he had us dreaming. His free kick against Everton to keep us up is the perfect example. His move to Palace was understandable given our situation under Moyes but I would have loved to have seen a bit more of him at the SoL.
CM: LEE CATTERMOLE AND SEB LARSSON
The central midfielders. Number one for me has to be Lee Cattermole. The socks up to his thighs, tucked-in shirt and heart of a lion, always worn on his sleeve. I don’t think they make them like him anymore. None of us will forget that Jack Colback tackle- ever. He would certainly be captain of my eleven. Just in front of him, Seb Larsson, a true midfield maestro. His flair was unmatched and that overhead kick at Anfield isn’t spoken about enough. He played the game as it should be played. One of Wearside’s finest I would say, and certainly underrated at times.
R/L WING: FABIO BORINI AND JERMAIN DEFOE
One of my earliest memories of Sunderland AFC was that Borini goal at Wembley. The calibre of that City team, and he made the likes of Vincent Kompany look average. He was silky, weaving in and out of the defence week in week out. He was a joy to watch. Just to fit him in, I’m going to put Jermain Defoe on the wing too. Not his natural position, but in his prime he would score goals no matter his position. A man who became a true patron of Sunderland AFC, with his work on and off the pitch, raising countless amounts of money and awareness for the Bradley Lowery foundation. His derby-day volley from outside the box still stands as one of the all-time great Sunderland goals, in my opinion. The less said about his second stint, the better...
ST: NIALL QUINN AND KEVIN PHILLIPS
I’m going to field two strikers. The first, Niall Quinn. Although slightly before my time, his role off the field as well as on today is impressive. His goal-scoring record for Sunderland speaks for itself, appearing 475 times in the Premier League and Football League, scoring 141 goals. On the topic of goals, step forward, Kevin Philips. ‘Super Kev’ stands for the renaissance of north-eastern football. His 1999-00 season remains one of the most impressive from any forward. His season earned him not only the Premier League Golden Boot but also the European Golden Shoe award and as of 2022, he remains the only Englishman to have won the latter, with his tally standing at 30 goals by the end of the ’99-00 season. His striker’s instinct was unreal, he was here, there, everywhere and always in the right place. I’d have him now, to be totally honest, at almost 50 years old!
