Jenson Seelt has admitted that he is ‘really glad’ that he has two Sunderland players to help him settle in.
The Dutchman arrived on Wearside from PSV in the summer and he has so far had a slow start to his career in the Championship, making only three starts.
The 20-year-old was bought as another player for the future and looks to have huge potential, however it is proving a huge challenge to displace Dan Ballard and Luke O’Nien from the starting line-up.
Jenson Seelt was a shock addition to Sunderland’s team for their clash against Leeds United midweek, with many frustrated at the numerous changes Mike Dodds had made from the side that beat West Brom.
However, Seelt really impressed in a back three. The centre-back came close to scoring on more than one occasion, as well as making three tackles, two interceptions, and claiming 84% pass accuracy.
The youngster certainly made his mark before he was substituted in the second half, and he has now thanked two Sunderland teammates for helping him in his first six months at the club.
When asked about the language barrier by the Sunderland Echo, Seelt said: “It was ok but I really feel I’m improving a lot, also on the pitch with kind of football language what you have to learn.
“The more time I’ve been here my progress has been really good. They speak a lot to me, especially the older guys, Pritchard, O’Nien, they are really good to me and kind. I’m really glad they are there.”
How important are our older players off the pitch?
Jenson Seelt is one of a number of young players at Sunderland, with the board eager to depend on youth to help guide them to the Premier League.
However, the defender’s claim about Alex Pritchard and Luke O’Nien shows just how important these older players can be too.
We need the more experienced figures to help guide and mentor the others, as we can’t forget that some of them only have a few senior appearances to their name.
As well as just being a brilliant footballer, that is another reason why we should be offering Pritchard a new contract, sooner rather than later.