Sunderland youngsters to take note of what Jordan Pickford achieved with England
Jordan Pickford remains one of the most successful players to have emerged from the Sunderland academy.
Sunderland have several promising youngsters looking to break into the first team this season, with a handful who have already over the last few years.
Chris Rigg is the standout, but names such as Dan Neil, Tommy Watson and Anthony Patterson have all come through the academy recently.
Pickford departed Sunderland upon their relegation back in 2017, but what he did on Thursday night should serve as a message to those looking to follow a similar trajectory.
Jordan Pickford beat Gordon Banks England record vs Wales
Pickford became the first-ever England goalkeeper to keep eight clean sheets in a row when his country eased their way to a 3-0 win against Wales on Thursday night.
Of course, Pickford’s emergence on the scene started in the Premier League with Sunderland, before furthering his career with Everton.
However, the fact that he stayed at Sunderland when he had chances to go elsewhere very early in his career was a testament to his desire to find success, and those currently at the Academy of Light must take note.
Sunderland is one of the best places for young talent in England right now, as showcased now only by the number of players to have made it into the first team, but also the way the hierarchy have dealt with their future.
Sunderland, under the ownership of Kyriul Louis-Dreyfus, have never stood in the way of a young talent when a better opportunity has emerged.
Pickford’s success is going to be hard to replicate, but it demonstrates just where hard work and loyalty can get you in football.
The youngsters looking to break through at Sunderland
Trey Ogunsuyi is one of Sunderland’s brightest prospects right now and is currently on loan at Scottish Premiership side Falkirk.
Other names include the likes of Marcus Neill and Jenson Jones, both of whom have trained with the first team from time to time.
These players just need to have patience when it comes to getting their chance, and should take optimism from the fact that several have already had their chance to shine before them.
Neill in particular is one to keep an eye on, having scored yet another brace in Sunderland Under-18’s recent 5-1 win against Ipswich.
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