Sunderland latest wonderkid ‘in line’ for Championship debut
Sunderland’s success so far this season has been built around youth, and the Wearsiders will soon have another name to throw into the ring at senior level.
Sunderland are enjoying a fruitful campaign so far, and certainly one that has brought a lot more optimism than the nightmare one of last year.
Much of that optimism has emerged in regard to the promotion and development of youth players, which has seen several academy prospects make the step up to first-team level.
Chris Rigg, Dan Neil and Anthony Patterson are just three of the first team regulars to have made the step up, with Tommy Watson and Harrison Jones also making the step up this season.
However, the likelihood is that another youth prodigy could be in line to contribute to the first team after what he has been doing with the Under-23 side.
Trey Ogunsuyi in mesmerising form for Sunderland Under-23
Throughout the last few seasons, the main concern on Wearside has been the lack of a goalscorer, but with the likes of Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda, many of those concerns have been curtailed.
After scoring his ninth league goal of the season in a defeat to West Brom, Ogunsuyi is surely next in line for the Wearsiders, having impressed throughout the campaign for Graeme Murty, scoring his ninth goal of the season in the latest clash against West Brom.
His ability has been on full show since match day 1, with Liverpool believed to have been sniffing around for his signature, though the Black Cats will undoubtedly want to retain his services.
| Sunderland academy graduates | Appearances (All comps) |
| Dan Neil | 184 |
| Chris Rigg | 57 |
| Tommy Watson | 13 |
| Anthony Patterson | 148 |
| Harrison Jones | 3 |
| Trey Ogunsuyi | 1 |
However, their ability to do just that may hinge on the number of first-team opportunities that the Belgian youth international receives between now and the end of the campaign, and based on his showings at youth level, he is certainly deserving of some.
While Regis Le Bris will want his best players to perform, there will be no harm in giving minutes to Ogunsuyi, who, based on his displays this season, is likely to thrive under that pressure.
Le Bris has been a huge reason behind Sunderland success
In the modern game, managers are often reluctant to throw out first-team opportunities to youth players, but it has been a very different story for the Frenchman.
His role in the development of several players has been crucial, and not only has it benefited Sunderland on the pitch, but it will also serve as a huge benefit financially in the future.
As for now, the aim will be on achieving promotion in a bid to strengthen their chances of retaining that talent, with Cardiff City the next opponents.