Date: 3rd December 2015 at 6:55pm
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Lots of us like to play 5-a-side football in our spare time, but have you ever considered how the team you support would line-up if they were limited to five players?

Based on current form, and with a formation of one goalkeeper, one defender, two midfielders and one striker, we at Shoot thought it would be interesting to see who would make the grade for each Premier League outfit.

Here’s what we came up with for Sunderland…

Goalkeeper:

Costel Pantilimon

Despite being the only choice having played in every Premier League game this season, Costel Pantilimon could argue a case for getting in many Premier League 5-a-side teams.

The Romanian has been in top form since Sam Allardyce arrived at the club, making more saves than any other stopper in November.

His sheer size and composure would make him incredibly tough to beat in the smaller goals.

Defender:

Kaboul is slowly becoming a fan favourite

Younes Kaboul

The Frenchman had many doubting his ability to play at the top level when he signed for Sunderland.

And after watching the first handful of games those critics were more than justified.

But ever since the appointment of Sam Allardyce, Kaboul has thrived in a back-five and his physicality would make him a hard opponent in the small-sided game.

Midfielders:

Lee Cattermole

Even at 5-a-side you need someone who’ll scare the opposition a bit.

And with Lee Cattermole, Sunderland certainly have that man.

Someone who doesn’t shy away from a tackle and is better on the ball than people give him credit for, the former England Under-21s captain would get the best from his team-mates.

Yann M’Vila

M’Vila has shown his class since arriving in the summer

Another defensive minded player but one we couldn’t leave out due to his consistency since signing in the summer.

The Frenchman has been a big hit with Sunderland fans with his quality both on and off the ball being one of the bright points this season.

Alongside Cattermole, this Black Cats 5-a-side team will be hard to get through.

Striker:

Jermain Defoe

Although Steven Fletcher would add more of a physical presence to the attack, 5-a-side is more technical and the ball will be on the floor the majority of the time.

And because of those points we have opted for Jermain Defoe to lead the line.

The former England striker would relish the ‘shoot-on-sight’ policy the small-sided game needs, with his clinical touch in front of goal giving him the nod.

 
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