Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham has praised the performance of his brother, Jobe Bellingham, in the 1-0 victory over Leeds United.
The 18-year-old scored the game-winning goal as his dashing run into the box saw him beat Illan Meslier to the ball and nod past the Leeds keeper.
Whilst Bellingham made the back pages with his goal, Sunderland interim manager Mike Dodds can take huge credit for the performance as he tactically outsmarted Daniel Farke in the dugout.
Before this match, many were expecting to see the Black Cats set up in their usual 4-1-4-1 formation, however, Dodds made the switch to a 3-4-3 system for this fixture, presumably to shut down the threats of Daniel James and Crysencio Summerville.
It worked a treat as Sunderland doubled up on their danger man, aided by the imperious Trai Hume, and rarely afforded them space to wreak havoc in the final third.
This tactical change also saw Bellingham move back into central midfield after playing as a striker against West Bromwich Albion and his performance drew praise from his brother, Jude.
What did Jude Bellingham say?
Taking to X, Bellingham said “Let him cook” in response to his performance, a phrase which means to freely let someone do something they are good at.
The Sunderland star has certainly shown he’s good at timing his runs into the box and applying a finish to match.
He did that against the Whites, anticipating where the ball would land and planting his head where it hurts to nod past an onrushing Meslier.
Much like his brother, the teenager is transforming into a complete midfielder, capable of performing in multiple areas of the pitch.
Although he started as a central midfielder last night, he was still afforded the license to make darting runs into the penalty area but he also did his duties defensively by winning all three of his aerial duels, as per Sofascore.
The praise from his brother, who knows the ceiling of his potential, has only reinforced how well he performed on the night.
What is Jobe Bellingham’s best position?
Bellingham’s best position for Sunderland is operating just in-behind the striker where he can affect the game in the attacking third.
Although he has played as a deep-lying central midfielder and as a striker this season, he’s most effective as a number 10, hovering between the lines.
This allows him to drop deep to create chances while being given the freedom to float into the box and get on the end of opportunities.
If Sunderland can acquire a centre-forward who is on the same wavelength as Bellingham, their chances of winning promotion will be much improved.