This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Sunderland have made a solid if not spectacular start to their League One campaign, with Jack Ross' side currently fifth in the table just five points off leaders Ipswich Town, heading into the weekend trip to Lincoln City.

One player who has been a constant for Ross so far this season is 25-year-old defender Jordan Willis who arrived in the summer on a free-transfer, having failed to agree a new deal at Coventry City where he had spent eight years.

So how can Willis' start to life at Sunderland be best summed up?

We discuss.........

George Brooks

"He'll surely be pleased.

"He's still finding his feet a little bit but he's been able to establish himself as a first-choice central defender and his performances so far have been good.

"Sunderland are yet to keep a clean sheet in League One this season so that will be disappointing for him as a defender, but on a personal level, Willis has been pretty solid at the back for the Black Cats.

"He's a strong, athletic defender and based on his performances so far, you can see why some Championship teams were interested in him in the summer.

"He was named captain against MK Dons at the weekend and played well, and he's obviously got the quality to be a very important player for Sunderland this season."

Toby Wilding

"He's been impressive.

"Willis has already made himself a nigh-on ever-present feature in the Black Cats' backline, so he has evidently settled into their system well.

"The fact that he was handed the captaincy for their 2-1 win over MK Dons on Saturday only serves to reinforce how much of an impact he has made on the Sunderland hierarchy already, given the significance of the role he was assigned to carry out there.

"Having another player in their squad with that sort of presence and ability is another useful asset for Sunderland to have, as they go in search of promotion back to the Championship again this season."

Dean Cooke

"He's been excellent and one of the better players this season as he looks to make his mark at his new club.

"It's just the type of player that the Black Cats need, and his consistency has helped them slowly but surely push up the league in hopes of promotion to the Championship.

"Willis is now at a good age to go out and enjoy some of his best football, and I think he's doing that at Sunderland. If they end up getting promoted, a large part of that success would be down to the defender joining the club."

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