One key statistic highlights how key one Sunderland man has been so far this season.
Sunderland picked up just a point at the Stadium of Light against Watford as Regis Le Bris’ side struggled against the out-of-form side.
The Black Cats looked rather one-dimensional, particularly on the front foot with Wilson Isidor getting very little of the ball, whilst the midfield was overly defensive, as Le Bris once again utilised Salis Abdul Samed in the centre-of-the-park with very little success, a decision that he has once again had to defend after the game.
One key factor behind the draw was also the exclusion of midfielder Jobe Bellingham, who was ruled out of the clash due to an ankle injury, and the 19-year-old’s impact was sorely missed, as shown by one key statistic.
Sunderland win rate without Jobe Bellingham shows how crucial he is to Regis Le Bris
The Black Cats sorely missed star midfielder Bellingham at the weekend after he picked up an injury midweek, which put him out of action against Watford.
It can be suggested that Bellingham’s absence was the difference maker in terms of Sunderland dropping two points, although the youngster did still try to affect the game by helping with the half-time team talk.
His impact is highlighted by Sunderland’s win rate without Bellingham at the centre-of-the-park. In the four games that Bellingham has been unavailable to Le Bris, the Black Cats have not won a single game.
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Kristjaan Speakman may be sleepwalking into major Jobe Bellingham error
There is no doubt that Bellingham has been Sunderland’s ‘superstar’ on several occasions this season, notching seven goal contributions in the 2024/25 Championship season so far.
Unfortunately for Sunderland, this rich vein of form that Bellingham has hit this season will have its cost, and that is the potential suitors that are lining up for the midfielder.
Kristjaan Speakman is already proactively looking for his long-term replacement, with Tommy Doyle being touted as a potential option, but, whilst this is a positive move from the Sunderland Director of Football, he cannot simply accept that Bellingham will be elsewhere next season.
Whether Sunderland get promoted or not this season, Speakman must realise the impact that Bellingham has on the side, and that ability must be cherished by looking to build the team around the wonderkid, no matter how financially demanding it could prove to be.