Jobe Bellingham put on another eye-catching performance during Sunderland’s 3-1 win over Portsmouth.
The midfielder has returned to his natural position in the middle of the park and is the only midfielder to start all four of their opening fixtures in the Championship.
Jobe has received high praise for his performances so far and looks to have taken it up a level since last term.
The youngster seemed to be deployed slightly deeper than in Sunderland’s previous fixtures, with Alan Browne taking up a more attacking role.
Jobe continued to thrive though, winning three aerial duels, picking up two free kicks and also making three tackles.
The teenager has looked so much better defensively since Regis Le Bris arrived and it appears his teammates have recognised that too, with Romaine Mundle comparing him to Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets.
Jobe Bellingham or Sergio Busquets?
After the game, Jobe wrote on Instagram: “Tough graft at a difficult place to go, 4/4 nevertheless. Back for more after the break…”
Mundle replied: “Jobe Busquets 😲”.
Jobe also received a message of support from his brother Jude, who wrote: “Top”.
Jobe looks a completely different player to last season
The 18-year-old was a constant in the starting line-up last season, but the club actually came under criticism for playing him so much. It was believed he was getting burnt out, while his performances were often under-par.
However, Jobe has come out looking so much more mature and is really showing how high his ceiling really is.
The former Birmingham City man now looks to be one of the first names on the team-sheet and has just proven himself as a brilliant all-rounder in the middle of the park.
Jobe impressed up front last term, but there is no doubt that he has a much bigger impact in his natural position.
It’s unbelievable how strong Sunderland’s midfield is now compared to last season, when Pierre Ekwah was regularly picked despite his disappointing form.
The players will be desperate to avoid suspension or injury because it could take them weeks to get their place back – one thought that will have definitely crossed Dan Neil’s mind after he was sent off last week.
The Black Cats captain remains one of Sunderland’s best players, but it does seem harsh to drop Jobe, Browne or Chris Rigg after the international break.