Sunderland have built a sterling reputation for developing top young talent, and one of the club’s academy stars is showing what he is capable of while out on loan right now.
While the likes of Chris Rigg and Tommy Watson have been shining in the Sunderland first-team this season, there are still a number of talented teenagers trying to find their big breakthrough at the club.
We know how strongly Regis Le Bris feels about helping young Sunderland players develop, but that doesn’t just mean looking after the players at the club.
There are a handful of exciting Sunderland players out on loan this season, and one is really excelling at his temporary club of late.
Matty Young keeps another clean sheet for Salford City
Less than a month ago, it seemed Sunderland were preparing to recall Matty Young from his loan spell at Salford City, with the youngster failing to get first-team opportunities.
However, after Young’s FA Cup heroics in helping Salford progress to the third round, the Sunderland goalkeeper was handed a big chance by Karl Robinson, and he has not let his current boss down yet.
Young had an incredible League Two debut earlier this month, and he’s now played three straight league games for Salford.
His latest involvement saw Young deliver a big performance in a 3-0 win against Notts County on Saturday to register his third clean sheet of the season.
| Statistics | Matty Young vs Notts County |
|---|---|
| Saves | 2 |
| Successful runs out | 2 |
| High claims | 2 |
| Saves from inside box | 1 |
| Key passes | 1 |
| Clearances | 1 |
| Duels won | 100% (2 of 2) |
Against Notts County, Young made two saves, two high claims, and was successful in both of his run outs to close down potential danger.
He also made one key pass, and even ended up winning both of his duels on the day — one on the ground and one in the air.
Next season will be pivotal for Matty Young
It will be interesting to see if Matty Young can keep up his great form, but it is clear that right now, he is Salford City’s number one goalkeeper.
If he continues to flourish the way he is now, this can be a huge season for Young when it comes to his future, and next season could end up being a really pivotal year for the teenager.
Young has already signed a new contract at Sunderland, so we know the club value him highly and see him having a big future on Wearside.
His teammate, Anthony Patterson, has also tipped Young to go far. But, of course, the Sunderland number one is the person standing in Young’s way at the moment.
If Patterson is still at the Stadium of Light next season, will we see Young stick around to be his understudy, or is another loan spell the best move? Getting the balance right for the up-and-coming talent will be supremely important to ensuring he remains on an upward trajectory.