Lee Cattermole and Lorik Cana have been a revelation as a central midfield partnership. Both players are aggressive, determined and tough in the tackle, leading to the inevitable flurry of bookings.
Both players were booked against Hull and now have five bookings between them already. If either player was to be suspended, Sunderland would struggle to replace them.
At the moment we have six quality midfielders. As well as Cana and Cattermole, there's Keiron Richardson, Steed Malbranque, Andy Reid and the emerging Jordan Henderson. Other than Cana and Cattermole, the midfield have limited defensive attributes and could be bullied, as last season proved. I also think that six midfielders for a Premier League campaign is not enough. However, Bruce has used Frazier Campbell on the right of midfield.
The decision to move on Grant Leadbitter and Teemu Tainio to Ipswich Town and Birmingham City respectively, was a surprise. Although Leadbitter had been linked away from the club and probably thought that moving on from his hometown club would create more first team opportunities, the decision to send Tainio on loan to Birmingham was the biggest shock.
He's probably the best option to replace a suspended Cana or Cattermole. However, Tainio's injury problems are well documented and his availability would never be guaranteed. He returned from international duty with Finland injured so Bruce's decision to send the player out on loan could be justified.
As well as Leadbitter, Roy Keane raided his old club for Carlos Edwards. The right winger never really made the step up to the Premier League after making such an impact in the Championship-winning season of 2006/7. A number of injuries, including a broken leg, didn't help Edwards in his attempt to get back in the team.
At the back, the decision to sell double-winning player of the year, Danny Collins to Stoke City was a shock. Collins' adaptability and determined displays made him an excellent player to have in the squad. With George McCartney injury prone, Collins' ability to left-back was called upon on numerous occasions.
Keiron Richardson filled in at left-back against Hull after McCartney picked up an injury on international duty. Although Richardson played well, his defending was rarely called upon against a poor Hull side.
The introduction of Paulo da Silva at left-back could be seen as Collins' direct replacement and could even dislodge McCartney in the position.
The defence also welcomed two new additions against Hull. John Mensah made his debut as a second half substitute, replacing Phil Bardsley at right-back. What the Ghanaian lacks in height he more than makes up for in build and settled into the game quickly.
As well as Mensah, Michael Turner also made his debut against former club, claiming the fourth goal in the 4-1 win. The signing of Turner for an initial £6million could turn out to be a bargain.
The Hull fans worshipped Turner and he's been touted as a future England international. A back four of Turner, Anton Ferdinand, Mensah and da Silva looks strong and they didn't looked troubled against Hull. I hope they gel quickly and are able to take a step up against stronger opposition.
I do think that Sunderland need to buy a full-back despite no lack of defenders in the squad. With the exception of Bardsley and the injured McCartney, the rest of the defence are considered more comfortable at centre-back.
Lucas Neill has been strongly linked to the club but his wages have proven to be a stumbling block. I do think Neill would improve the squad but, despite being a free agent, I'm not sure he'd be worth the amount of wages being mooted. Also, the transfer of Wigan Athletic left-back, Maynor Figueroa, collapsed and could be revived in the January transfer window.
I think that we'll strengthen the squad, particularly in midfield, in January. Despite the squad looking small I do think we'll cope until then and Bruce's selling of fringe players have been justified. Players such as Leadbitter, Edwards and Tainio were never really going to get into the first team when everyone was fit and moving them on was best for everyone concerned.
Roy Keane bought in bulk and left the club with a huge squad and wage bill. Bruce has been ruthless in sorting the wheat from the chaff. Only time will tell whether some of the chaff could have come in handy when the fixtures come thick and fast and injuries and suspensions begin to occur.
Bruce's excellent start and promising signings have eased some of the worriers, including me, and I think we'll cope. However, it'll be interesting to see how we cope without some of that bite in the central midfield.
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