10 Sunderland Cult Heroes From The Premier League Era

3. Steed Malbranque

Are you ready for a bold statement? Steed Malbranque is the best technical Sunderland footballer of the century. The Frenchman was a silent wizard, staying out of the spotlight, but quietly going about systematically slaughtering opponents without relying on pace to do so. He played like his boots were smothered in PVA glue, such was his control of the ball. Malbranque's fitness was called into question, and he was always hauled off on the hour mark partially leading to his departure, but there was no denying he'd do something magical with every touch. His greatest moment came in the famous double-nutmeg of James Milner, with the diminutive midfielder nonchalantly trailing the ball through the England man's legs twice before striding away in total control.