View: Sunderland have a potential wildcard in Tommy Watson
Tommy Watson could be a potential wildcard for Sunderland this season after breaking into the first-team picture.
With an injury setback for summer signing Ian Poveda, Watson will undoubtedly see several more first-team opportunities arise and he has the ability to make them count.
The 18-year-old winger was the subject of a bid from Brighton in the summer, according to a post from Craig Hope on X, and has since been introduced into Championship football.
Watson has been outstanding for Sunderland’s Under-21 side so far this season with five goals and four assists in just five appearances despite the club having only won two games.
Sunderland must utilise Tommy Watson
Watson has already shown glimpses of pure talent in the minutes he has played for Regis Le Bris this season and with more game time, there is so, so much more to come.
When it comes to youth players making the step up, the main attribute they have to showcase is a desire to impress and a willingness to do what it takes.
Watson has already demonstrated that in the 16 minutes of first-team action he’s received this season.
The sale of Jack Clarke in the summer left many wondering who was ready to make the step up and Romaine Mundle has certainly impressed in his absence but the rapid development of Watson lessens any concerns in that regard.
With Chris Rigg, Dan Neil and Anthony Patterson all regulars in the Sunderland side now, the winger can take a lot from that as the club have a remarkable rapport with young players, allowing them to develop at their own rate.
One of the main reasons Sunderland need to utilise him is due to the unknown factor he will present to opposition defenders. That added to his fearless mentality can only spell good things for what is likely to be a breakthrough season for the forward.
In other Sunderland news, Sunderland were able to bring Milan Aleksic to the Stadium of Light last summer in a transfer full of intrigue and the club must utilise him.
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