CLARKE 2.0: Le Bris inform to capitalise on building Sunderland around Emerging Academy star who has the potential to be better than Clarke in coming years.
Clarke was transferred to Premier League side Ipswich Town towards the end of the transfer window. Although his departure seemed likely, there was still hope that he might stay at Sunderland. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen, but as is common in football, both the club and the player move forward. With Clarke now gone, Sunderland fans will soon shift their attention to the next rising star at the Stadium of Light.
While Romaine Mundle has stepped into Clarke’s role on the left flank, Tommy Watson is a promising talent for the future, showing striking similarities to the departed Sunderland ace.
Sunderland may already have a ready-made replacement for Clarke in Watson.
If you’re not familiar with the name Tommy Watson yet, you soon will be. At just 18 years old, Watson is likely on the verge of earning more regular appearances for Sunderland, especially considering the youthful nature of the line-ups Regis Le Bris has fielded this season. With an average age of 22.7 years, Sunderland currently boasts the youngest starting eleven in the Championship.
Watson not only sports low socks and a similar haircut to Clarke, but he also has a comparable skill set. The left-winger’s ability to drop his shoulder and beat defenders is reminiscent of Clarke, and he has already impressed at the youth level.
Watson’s potential has not gone unnoticed; Brighton and Hove Albion reportedly made several bids for him, the highest of which exceeded £2 million, but Sunderland turned them down.
With three senior appearances to his name, it seems only a matter of time before Watson gets more opportunities with the first team. However, he’ll have to be patient, given Mundle’s impressive form, with two goals in his last two games.
This season has been one of breakthroughs at the Stadium of Light, with several young players stepping up. Chris Rigg’s potential was evident early on, and the emergence of Eliezer Mayenda and Mundle has been timely. Rigg, who made his debut at just 15 years old, has been impressing fans with his confident performances.
Mundle, tasked with filling Clarke’s sizable shoes on the left wing, has so far handled the challenge with ease. The 21-year-old, previously limited in opportunities behind Clarke, has seized his chance admirably.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the season has been Mayenda’s form. While Sunderland spent the summer searching for a new striker, the Spaniard has quietly made his mark on the pitch, with two goals and two assists in four matches.
One thing is clear at Sunderland: young players will continue to get their chances. It’s been exciting to watch, and fans hope it will continue.
Though Clarke’s departure was a blow for the Black Cats, they have bounced back with two consecutive wins since he left. With plenty of emerging talent on the field, one player in particular—Tommy Watson—looks poised to be the perfect replacement for Clarke.
Sunderland has a future star in Watson, and it won’t be long before he gets his opportunity to shine.