On Thursday, a former athlete had a forgettable night on the international scene, with a rating of just 1/10.
In the past, Sunderland has produced some outstanding players. And they’re now generating more.
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, the owner, and Kristjaan Speakman, the sporting director, have restarted production.
Right now, the academy is producing some really intriguing players, with Chris Rigg, a Real Madrid and Manchester United target, standing out among the rest.
While the Black Cats also bring in elite young players from other places, other well-known players like Tom Watson continue to excel.
Among the Sunderland players poised to establish themselves is Jobe Bellingham, who appears destined for greatness in the future.
The academy should continue to be the main focus. There is a route to the first team, as demonstrated by players like Anthony Patterson and Dan Neil.
Prior to that, players like Jordan Pickford also accomplished this. However, Pickford is currently making headlines for all the wrong reasons.
The media attacks Jordan Pickford following England’s loss to Greece
On Thursday night, England and Greece faced off in a Nations League match at Wembley. Lee Carsley’s team ultimately lost 2-1.
For England supporters, watching the Greeks take the lead in Group 2 with a goal in the 94th minute was excruciating.
A number of English celebrities have faced criticism. But Jordan Pickford might be the most of any of them.
With his £28.5 million transfer to Everton in 2017, the former Black Cats academy graduate became Sunderland’s highest expensive player sale. He currently has 72 caps.
In recent times, he has been among the best in England. But following Greece, Pickford received a terrible review from talkSPORT, earning a 1/10.
Pickford received a 4 out of 10 from The Guardian, who said of him: “Spread panic with a horror moment in possession early on and continued to struggle.” Had little chance against Greece’s objectives.
In the meanwhile, Pickford received a 4/10 rating from GOAL, which added: “Set the tone for the evening with some haphazard antics in the game’s opening exchanges.”
It’s a little unclear whether his long-range kicks were for show or if they actually benefited England.
One day Anthony Patterson might be England’s top player.
Pickford did not impress in the match against Greece. He is still among England’s top players, and he may be the best custodian the country has ever had.
Originating from Sunderland, he has demonstrated to prominent figures such as Patterson that there exists a path to success starting from the Academy of Light.
And Patterson is undoubtedly headed towards competing for a position on the England squad in the future.
His recent connections to Manchester United demonstrate that he is among the top young goalkeepers in the nation.
Patterson may join the England team sooner rather than later if he can secure the top rank in the Premier League.
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