It speaks to the youth of this Championship-leading Sunderland squad that Aaron Connolly, by his own admission, feels like one of Regis Le Bris’ elder statesmen.
Of the ten Sunderland players to make 10 or more league starts so far in 2024/25, seven are under the age of 24.
Teenagers Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg form two thirds of arguably the division’s finest midfield trio alongside 22-year-old captain Dan Neil, while Dennis Cirkin, Trai Hume, Romain Mundle and Anthony Patterson are yet to even really scratch the surface of their true potential.
No wonder Connolly – while only born than a month after the Millennium himself – feels comparatively veteran-esque alongside some of the most exciting up-and-comers in the Football League.
Aaron Connolly blown away by quality of Sunderland youngsters
“It’s crazy,” Connolly tells the Northern Echo ahead of Sunderland’s trip to Millwall this weekend following the November international break. “There’s Riggy, Jobe, then Romaine at 21. Trai, Dennis…
“It’s mental how many talented young players are here.”
Kristjaan Speakman, Sunderland’s sporting director, insists that the Black Cats are as committed as ever to their youth-orientated policy. Speakman uses goalkeeper Anthony Patterson as an example, the Wearsiders putting their faith in the North Shields-born academy graduate at a time where the critics felt a more experienced, so-called ‘proven’ shot-stopper was required.
And Connolly, who came up against this baby-faced Sunderland roster when at Hull City last season, always knew that the Black Cats were onto something good. But, still, the well-travelled striker has been taken aback after watching the likes of Bellingham and Rigg strut their stuff at close quarters.
“Before I came here, you’d seen how talented they are playing against them,” adds Connolly. “But then you see them day in, day out and the work they put in. Then, you see the size of the club, and I had no idea to be honest. I knew it was a big club but it’s only when you come here you truly realise.
“I’m only 24, but I feel ancient! I’m usually the youngest in the changing room, I have been at Brighton, Hull and Middlesbrough. But now I have people like Riggy who was born in 2007, and that’s crazy to me.”
Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham can benefit from Connolly’s advice
Connolly knows from experience that a flying start to your senior career can bring challenges.
He was only 19 – and making his first Premier League start – when exploding onto the scene with a brace as Brighton thrashed Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 back in October 2019.
Connolly’s career has been something of a rollercoaster since then. Though, having now come through the other side, his almost big brotherly advice could be very useful indeed as Rigg, Bellingham and co look to avoid the same pitfalls.
Especially as the likes of Manchester United show interest in Rigg and as Bellingham is tipped to follow in his Real Madrid star brother’s footsteps.
“Hopefully, I can help them as much as I can,” the Republic of Ireland international says. “I’ve had experience at the highest level. I’m sure they’ll play at that level, hopefully at this club, and the more I settle, the more I can help.
“These are experienced players despite their age. The likes of Jobe and Dennis have played a lot of football, then there’s someone like Patrick Roberts, who has played for Manchester City.
“[The Sunderland squad has] young, hungry talent, ready to play at the highest level.”