Despite a sluggish commencement to his tenure at the Stadium of Light, Rusyn has gradually showcased his potential, making a compelling case for his selection over Burstow as a starter for the Black Cats. Throughout the season, both players have been vying for the coveted starting striker position, albeit with varying degrees of success. Rusyn has been granted six starts in the Championship, while Burstow boasts ten, leaving manager Beale grappling with the decision of who should spearhead the squad’s attack consistently.
Recent performances have tilted the scales in Rusyn’s favor, with the Ukrainian displaying more promise and impact on the pitch compared to his Chelsea counterpart. Notably, Rusyn has managed to find the back of the net twice in just 474 minutes of league action, a testament to his efficiency in front of goal. In contrast, Burstow has only registered a solitary goal in over 700 minutes of football, highlighting Rusyn’s superior goal-scoring prowess and overall contribution to the team.
| Sunderland striker statistics 2023/24 – SofaScore | ||
| Player | Mason Burstow | Nazariy Rusyn |
| Appearances | 15 | 14 |
| Minutes | 755 | 474 |
| Goals | 1 | 2 |
| Minutes per goal | 755 | 245 |
The striker’s inability to find the back of the net is posing a significant challenge for the club, despite their relatively favorable league position. Although Sunderland currently occupies the eighth spot in the table, their goal-scoring record is cause for concern, with just 41 goals scored in 30 matches, ranking second-lowest among the top ten teams in the league. Notably, five of these goals were secured in a remarkable 5-0 victory over Southampton early in the campaign, highlighting the team’s overall struggle to consistently produce goals.
The reliance on Jack Clarke for scoring has become apparent, with the former Tottenham Hotspur forward accounting for 13 of the team’s goals in the Championship, contributing to 40% of their total goals. The lack of offensive output from the strikers is glaring, with Dan Neil and Jobe Bellingham currently serving as the second top scorers with four goals each. Interestingly, all the club’s top scorers have been regular starters throughout the season, a privilege neither Burstow nor Rusyn have enjoyed in the 2023/24 campaign thus far.
Looking ahead, the squad could face further upheaval in the summer, particularly with Clarke’s rumored departure to high-profile clubs like West Ham United and Lazio. Given the recent alterations in the team’s attacking lineup, the need for a consistent starting striker is imperative for Sunderland’s aspirations of securing promotion back to the Premier League. This underscores the importance of viewing Rusyn as the preferred choice for the club.
While Burstow is likely to return to Chelsea once his loan spell concludes, the prospect of his permanent acquisition by the club seems unlikely based on his performances thus far. Despite his youth, the likelihood of his prolonged stay at Sunderland remains slim, making it imperative for the club to prioritize the development and utilization of strikers who will remain with the team next season. Rusyn’s recent performances, including two goals in his last five matches despite limited starts, demonstrate his potential to excel as a pivotal player for Sunderland. However, his progress has been hindered by the lack of consistent game time.
Although Rusyn faced initial challenges with language and adaptation to English football upon joining the club, there is a pressing need for Beale to make a decisive move as the season approaches its climax. Whether Beale opts for Burstow or Rusyn, selecting a primary striker is paramount to Sunderland’s success in the remainder of the season.