With Sunderland’s season starting to fizzle out, here are four academy players I would like to see more from now till the end of the season.
CHRIS RIGG
The most obvious out of the current crop of academy players that we all want to see more of is Chris Rigg. At 16, Rigg has already had an impressive start to his footballing career, already having two goals to his name and holding the record for the Black Cats’ youngest ever goalscorer.
Despite featuring a lot earlier in the season, he has struggled for games recently, featuring just three times since the turn of the year. With the midfield a glaring issue at the moment and Jobe Bellingham looking heavily fatigued, it would make sense to throw Rigg into the side and see how he gets on from the start.
CADEN KELLY
One player who has seemingly come from nowhere to be amongst the first team squad in recent weeks is Caden Kelly. The 20-year-old has already featured twice for the first team, making his debut in the Papa John's Trophy against Manchester United u21s in 2021 as well as featuring against Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup last season.
Injury had seen him disappear from the u21 group for most of the season, however Kelly has immediately made an impact upon his return with a goal and two assists in three Premier League 2 games.
Kelly mainly operates as an attacking midfielder and with 12 games to go, it would be nice to see what he can offer at Championship level, even if it is a cameo off the bench.
TOMMY WATSON
Watson is a player who is rated very highly in the club's academy, with many who have seen him play able to see the potential of a great player as well as his incredible likeness to Jack Clarke when it comes to his dribbling – as well as his hairstyle and the way he dresses! The 17-year-old made his debut as a late sub in a defeat to Huddersfield Town last season.
He has rarely featured in the squad this season, but with the injury list piling up, I would not be surprised if Watson got an opportunity to impress, especially with us a bit light on the wing due to Clarke’s absence.
TIMUR TUTIEROV
After arriving at the club halfway through last season, Tutierov has yet to feature at senior level. The 18-year-old has played three times for Ukraine’s U19s scoring once and is clearly highly thought of as one for the future.
It would also be interesting if the club are tempted to get him in the squad at some point even if just to benefit Nazariy Rusyn, who’s reportedly struggling with the language. There is no rush for Timur though with Dodds maybe more focused on getting the three current strikers firing before turning to the clubs academy.
