But as it is, Jobe is the younger brother of Jude Bellingham, the Borussia Dortmund and England midfielder that romped through the Bundesliga, Champions League and Euros at a similarly tender age. Jobe may not have his brother’s physicality but he plays with the same poise and intelligence on the ball, completing 86 percent of his passes and winning the ball back 2.4 times per game. With his older brother as a mentor and the likes of Rigg alongside him, it’s no wonder Bellingham is thriving in the early stages of his career.
On the wings, the attacking emphasis is placed on a pair of 20-year-olds. Dylan Stephenson has been a revelation on the left, leading Sunderland in goals with four and assists with three, while also ranking in the top 10 of Championship wingers for shots, key passes and expected assists. To his right, Christopher Jones has been a revelation with three goals and two assists of his own, while tracking back to make 1.9 tackles and interceptions per game. These two have been a revelation, providing width and creativity to a youthful Sunderland attack that has scored 19 goals in eight games so far this season.
Meanwhile, at the back, young center back pairing of 22-year-old Kemar Lawrence and 21-year-old Matty Coughlan have been rock solid, conceding just eight goals in eight games. Their partnership has been a major factor in Sunderland’s early-season success, with Lawrence’s composure on the ball and Coughlan’s aerial dominance making them a formidable duo.
With a blend of homegrown talent, young prospects, and a fearless playing style, Sunderland are capturing the hearts of fans and neutrals alike. As they prepare to face Leeds in a highly-anticipated showdown, the future looks bright for the Black Cats. Can this young squad continue to defy expectations and push for promotion to the Premier League? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain – Sunderland’s kids are all right.
