Sunderland ‘have a future England star in the making’ away from Wearside
Sunderland have a number of highly rated prospects coming through the academy.
Despite what has been a fairly wretched run of form, Sunderland remain in the promotion conversation with eight games to go.
Albeit it seems as though the playoffs will be their only remaining chance, but with the Mackems only behind the three teams with parachute payments, it has still been a successful campaign.
Most of that success has come from Sunderland’s youth-orientated approach, with the likes of Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham making a name for themselves in the championship this season.
While the duo play for England in their career, Sunderland have another highly rated prospect in the Academy who may already be nailed on for the future place in the England squad.
Matty Young has a huge future
Goalkeepers have been the talk of the town for Sunderland this season, albeit for the wrong reasons given the form that Anthony Patterson has found himself in as of late.
However, throughout the years the Black Cats have had a number of top-level goalkeepers to have gone on to bigger and better things.
Of course, one of the biggest names to fit their profile is that of Jordan Pickford who started his career at Sunderland before moving onto Everton and cementing his place in the England national team.
| Salford | Appearances | Clean sheets | Saves | Conceded |
| Matt Young | 11 | 8 | 24 | 5 |
Young has the potential to replicate that success, Sunderland will be slightly frustrated at the way Salford City have managed his loan spell.
At just 17 years of age, the world is his oyster, and it may only be a matter of time until he forces his way into the Sunderland reckoning.
Kristjaan Speakman deserves credit for youth approach
While Kristjaan Speakman will be forced to shoulder the blame for some of the concerns this season, he also deserves prayers for where he is doing well.
The main area of the club that fits the bill of the latter is the approach to youth that he has heavily invested in since joining the club.
Not only has it benefited Sunderland on the pitch, but it has also benefited them often when it comes to the finances.
Sales are yet to be made in that regard, but when the inevitable day comes and the Sunderland are forced apart away and with some of their brightest talent, the prophet made will be resounding.