It's been no surprise that Sunderland loanee striker Ellis Simms has been a key cog in Tony Mowbray's machine that has been chugging along well all season but one statistic has highlighted just how important the 21-year-old is.
After gaining promotion from League One last season, the Black Cats have outperformed many expectations set to them as they sit in 10th after 21 matches - six spots above fellow promoted side Rotherham United and 12 places above last year's League One champions Wigan Athletic.
Simms has been crucial in recent weeks for Sunderland after arriving on loan from Everton, coming up with a goal against Birmingham City in a 2-1 win as well as a goal and an assist in their 3-0 triumph over Millwall last weekend - all this on top of his three goals he found early on this season.
