Murty shares what Sunderland must avoid as Watson shines in U21s rout
Graeme Murty’s Sunderland side hammered Derby County 6-0 on Monday (7 October) night with Tommy Watson once again the standout man.
Recent signing Aaron Connolly was also involved in the first half, getting on the end of a through ball from Watson before slotting the ball calmly into the back of the net.
The assist was one of three goal contributions for the 18-year-old winger, who was been tipped to have a big influence in the first team this season.
Under-21s manager Murty insisted that his side must “stay grounded” in the immediate aftermath of the game and how they must avoid this being a mere “highlight” for Watson personally.
Speaking to the club channels, Murty said: “We have to be really careful, Tommy (Watson) is a good player but we have to make sure this doesn’t become the highlight of his year.
“We want this to be a consistent thing and we want this to be the springboard for Tommy to go forward.”
Romaine Mundle form a blessing and a curse for Tommy Watson
Romaine Mundle has been outstanding this season in every way possible. Since the departure of Jack Clarke in the summer, questions were asked whether Mundle could fill the boots left by Clarke however he has… and more.
Yet this serves as both a positive and negative for Watson who has already been involved with Regis Le Bris’ side this season. Mundle’s continued form allows Watson much more time to integrate himself into a first-team environment, however also limits the opportunities he will get as he is simply undroppable at the current moment.
Brighton were reported to have made a bid for Watson in the summer in the region of £2million but with the potential he continues to demonstrate on a weekly basis for the academy, the youngster is worth so much more to Sunderland and he will be an exciting player to observe the development of should Sunderland be able to retain his services for the foreseeable.
In other Sunderland news, Ex-Sunderland midfielder and skipper Corry Evans has joined League Two Bradford City following his release from the Black Cats last summer.
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