Ranking Sunderland's Signings Of 2014/15 From Worst To Best

11. Ricardo Alvarez - On Loan From Inter Milan

Ricardo "Ricky" Alvarez raised a few eyebrows upon signing for Sunderland on loan. The Inter Milan midfielder seemed to have too substantial a pedigree for the perennial relegation battlers, and many wondered what the catch was. It was quite a substantial catch actually. Signed to fulfil the 'Borini role' as an attacking wide player, Alvarez looked completely unsuited to life in the English top flight. Whereas Borini succeeded thanks to his pace, desire and striker's instinct for goal, natural winger Alvarez found himself knocked off the ball far too easily by the Premier League's more muscular defenders. Having successfully avoided relegation, the Black Cats are rumoured to be under obligation to sign Alvarez permanently. He isn't completely a lost cause yet, but rapid improvements are needed.