A tricky position to fill, given Sunderland's lack of quality centre backs in recent years. Wes Brown gets the nod for his ability to raise his game on crucial occasions, transforming the team into a legitimately solid defensive outfit. Unfortunately such instances have become increasingly scarce, whether down to injury concerns or a general decline. Clearly Wes is past his Man United prime, but can still become a convincing brick wall on his day. Best Moment: Sunderland's 1-0 win over Manchester City (dragging the team out of a disastrous slump at the beginning of the 2013/14 campaign) would never have occurred were it not for Brown. The ex-United veteran played like a man ten years his junior, shutting down the threat of Sergio Aguero and throwing himself in the way of every attempt on goal. He even assisted Phil Bardsley's winner with a looping long ball.
