Sunderland have a number of young stars impressing right now, with some of them out on loan.
Sunderland may be struggling in the league, but in terms of their academy and the players coming through at the club, it’s looking very bright.
Chris Rigg is the main name turning heads right now; the 16-year-old midfielder was reportedly watched by Newcastle United during the 0-0 draw vs QPR in the Championship on Saturday.
And he and the other Sunderland youth players have some big names to take inspiration from, like Antony Patterson and Dan Neil who’ve both progressed through the ranks and into the first-team.
And following in Patterson’s footsteps may be Matty Young.
Matty Young earns England call up
It’s been a memorable week for Sunderland goalkeeper Young, who’s been described as a ‘highly rated’ player by Darlington .
It was first announced that he’s been named in the England U18s side for upcoming games against the likes of Germany and Holland, and he’s also extended his loan spell with local non-league side Darlington.
The 17-year-old, who stands at almost 6ft 3in and who’s been described as a ‘highly rated’ player by Darlington boss Steve Watson, is another player who’s worked his way through the ranks at the Academy of Light and has been enjoying a spell out on loan.
He’s currently playing for Darlington in the National League North where he’s made nine league appearances, conceding eight goals and keeping three clean sheets.
His fine form has led to his England call up and has prompted Darlington to extend his loan spell.
Matty Young extends Darlington loan spell
Darlington revealed the extension shortly after Young was named in England’s U18s squad for the upcoming international break.
And Sunderland Echo journalist James Copley has also given his verdict on the exciting young goalkeeper, posting on X:
Matty Young can be Anthony Patterson 2.0
Young seems to be on a very similar career path to Patterson right now.
Patterson came through the ranks at Sunderland and made his name out on loan, featuring for Notts County before being given his chance for Sunderland when they were in League One.
And neither Patterson nor Sunderland have looked back since. Though with Patterson attracting Premier League interest ahead of the summer, the club may well be looking to fast-track Young into the first-team picture.
Nathan Bishop is the current no.2 to Patterson, though he remains vastly inexperienced for a 24-year-old goalkeeper, and so Young could be direct competition with him next season.
But Sunderland would no doubt need a new no.1 to come should Patterson move on, but playing back-up to a more experience pro could be great development for Young.
For now though, he’s getting a lot of experience out on loan with Darlington, and he’ll be looking to finish the season with them strongly.