Jobe Bellingham shows why he’s now key Sunderland man after what he did v Leeds United
Jobe Bellingham had another opportunity to demonstrate his outstanding ability in his newly found role as Sunderland drew with Leeds United on Friday (4 October).
Sunderland have had a remarkable start to the season under Regis Le Bris and currently find themselves sitting at the top of the table, and much of that is down to their new midfield maestro in Jobe.
The 19-year-old often found himself occupying the number nine role last season in an attempt to correct the striking woes.
However, the return of Eliezer Mayenda and the signing of Wilson Isidor has allowed Jobe to return to his more natural position in midfield and he has been crucial for the Black Cats.
His ability to link defence to attack has been on show since the season started and his intelligence on and off the ball is a testament to his development over the summer.
Jobe Bellingham is first name on Sunderland teamsheet
Sunderland’s start to the season is a whole squad effort and several players have been at the top of their game. However, very few players have impressed as much as Jobe.
In accordance with FotMob, Jobe demonstrated a remarkable 96 per cent pass accuracy against Leeds, completing 46 of his 48 attempted passes.
Not only that but the midfielder lost possession of the ball just once, using his frame excellently and manipulating the play from the middle.
He went close to getting on the scoresheet for the second game running with a couple of close-shave efforts, but also performed in the defensive areas of the pitch, winning 100 per cent of his tackles.
The midfielder won 50 per cent of both his aerial and ground duels against a very physical and experienced Leeds side that included Joe Rothwell.
Should Sunderland lose Jobe to injury or even to another club in January, it’ll be an incredibly tough task to replace the role he plays in the team, making him arguably the key factor in this current Sunderland side.
In other Sunderland news, Alan Browne has had some fun at Illan Meslier’s expense after the shocking mistake late in the contest between Sunderland and Leeds United.
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