Jobe Bellingham trait reminds Ian Darke of Jude after what he’s seen at Sunderland
Jobe Bellingham shares the “physical qualities” of his brother Jude which can be key for Sunderland in their promotion push, according to Ian Darke.
The TV commentator, speaking exclusively to Mackem News, has also added that the Black Cats’ squad youth could have a meaningful impact among the rigorous schedule of the Championship season’s festive period.
In-demand former Birmingham City product Bellingham, 19, made a huge impact yet again last Saturday [14 December], completing the comeback with the winning goal to recover from two goals down at Swansea City.
“He’s a great athlete. He looks like his brother and shares those physical qualities, and that for a young player is massive,” Darke said.
“Sunderland have a young team who won’t be thinking about tiredness too often during the busy schedule.
“Bellingham eats up the ground and covers it well, looks strong and fit. He’s an excellent presence to have in the team and that goal at Swansea was huge as they’re no easy competition, they’re a useful team.”
Sunderland starlets to be put to the test over Christmas
With Sunderland having lost some ground in the promotion push – Sheffield United, Leeds United and Burnley are now above Regis Le Bris’ men – the spirits are still high yet slightly nervy.
Top six appears to be the realistic aim for the club against rivals with much deeper pockets, as the youthful exuberance of the team succeeds more than it fails.
Sunderland take on the might of Norwich City, Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City before the turn of the year, as Sheffield United’s New Year’s Day visit to Wearside could prove pivotal come the business end of the campaign.
In other Sunderland news, a potential exit to end an underwhelming stint in England for one Black Cats star.
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