Regis Le Bris’ recent comments on Trey Ogunsuyi should certainly be repeated for one top academy prospect.
Sunderland’s academy continues to bring out the cream of the crop, with the likes of Chris Rigg and Dan Neil quintessentially showing just how successful the current youth set-up is.
Tommy Watson is one of the most recent to stake his claim for a first-team spot after shining at youth level, and he managed an impeccable showing against Stoke City prior to his untimely injury picked up in the stalemate against Bristol City.
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris is undoubtedly a key figure to thank for the way the academy has developed so far during his short tenure at the club, with the next player to come through the academy likely set to be Trey Ogunsuyi.
Le Bris has commented on the youngster’s development so far, and it is something that should also be uttered towards another young star waiting for his first-team opportunity.
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Sunderland boss should emphasise ‘pathway’ available to young star Harrison Jones
Black Cats youngster Ogunsuyi has shone at youth level so far this season, scoring five goals in as many appearances in the Premier League 2, despite being just 17-years-old.
Rightly, Le Bris has commented on the teenager’s development in his pre-match press conference, where he said: “He’s very young and probably Riggy, Tommy and Jobe are the best examples to follow in our club.
“When you move to another club with a very strong squad you have to find the right environment to develop yourself.
“I don’t know. Social media and so on can talk a lot but at the end if we create the right environment and the player, his family and agents are rational, we are in a good place to create the right pathway for him.”
It is great that Le Bris has highlighted Ogunsuyi as one for the future, but Harrison Jones should be handed the same treatment based on his performances so far in the 2024/25 campaign.
Harrison Jones stats suggest he is first-team ready alongside Trey Ogunsuyi
Jones’ 2024/25 season has also been a remarkable one, notching a goal and four assists in his eight Premier League 2 games this campaign, where he has put in several ‘composed’ showings.
The 19-year-old is clearly on the radar of Le Bris after he was handed a substitute appearance in the EFL Cup at the start of the season, and he has developed even further since that game.
There is no doubt that there is a message to every youngster that a first-team spot is attainable, as seen by the likes of Rigg becoming a stalwart in the side, however it should be emphasised for Jones as it is only a matter of time until he arrives on the scene.