Tony Mowbray highlighted experience and recruitment as key factors in Sunderland’s improvements this season.
Sunderland have became a far more complete team this season which has seen the club far less reliant on individual brilliance.
Dominating games is the new style, with high possession, pressing and goals galore, Tony Mowbray has the Black Cats flying.
Speaking prior to the heavy defeat against Middlesbrough last week, Mowbray was discussing what he thinks has been the catalyst for Sunderland’s improvements.
The Sunderland Echo report that Mowbray is impressed with the changes in his side.
Mowbray explains what has changed at Sunderland
“Our team, I just think, are more experienced,” Mowbray said before the Middlesbrough clash last week.
“They understand the demands of what’s put on them, the recruitment of players like Jobe Bellingham which gives us flexibility to play different ways,
“Pierre Ekwah has grown into the football club, Luke O’Nien, we’ve secured a place and position for him where he excels, Jack Clarke has grown, Patrick Roberts has grown,
“Lots of the footballers because of the games they’ve played in this division have the confidence and belief now to know they can compete in the league.”
Sunderland’s improvement proves recruitment strategy right
Sunderland’s recruitment strategy has involved signing a lot of youngsters over the past few years, and now the fruits are beginning to bare.
The likes of Jack Clarke has been built into something special at the Stadium of Light.
Countless other have evolved from being a prospect into leading from the front and being among the league’s best.
Jobe Bellingham is the perfect example of this as he instantly became a star at the club following his move from Birmingham City.