Jack Clarke has responded to 100 appearances in a Sunderland shirt and has set targets for the rest of the season.
Jack Clarke joined Sunderland from Tottenham Hotspur in January 2022, although he appeared to lack confidence at first, scoring only once as Sunderland gained promotion to the Championship.
The winger was entirely transformed upon his return to the second tier, scoring nine goals and providing 12 assists in an outstanding season for the Black Cats.
Clarke’s success prompted Burnley to make a bid for him, but he opted to stay on Wearside and has since scored 13 goals and provided two assists.
While Sunderland have faced increased pressure to move Clarke to West Ham, Brighton, and Brentford, he has now made 100 appearances for the club.
Clarke has expressed his satisfaction with his progress with the Black Cats thus far, and has expressed a desire to continue playing for the remainder of the season, despite strong interest in his signing.
According to Chronicle Live, the 23-year-old stated, “I came here with a point to prove, and I believe my performances over the last two years have gone a long way toward demonstrating what I am capable of.” I’ve always wanted to play games, but I’ve always believed in my ability to provide assists and score goals.
“I’m really proud to play for Sunderland, but I’m also very proud of what we’ve accomplished over the last two years. Back-to-back play-off finishes and promotion from League One have been nothing short of exciting, but there have also been other success stories.
“Even though I was happy with last season’s return in goals, I said from the start of last summer that I feel I could have scored more. Whilst it is a great feeling to have bettered that total, I’m really glad the goals have made such a big contribution to this team.”
He added: “I can’t quite believe it’s been 100 games, but this club has given me the faith to flourish, and we have created so many moments that I will carry with me and for that, I am extremely grateful.
“For me, I want to continue to kick on and continue to add to the team’s output. We’ve always aimed to attack the division and we feel we can match anyone, irrespective of where they are in the table.”
Jack Clarke is a manager’s dream
Jack Clarke not only has the talent to succeed, but he also has a fantastic mindset.
The attacker was content to stay at Sunderland in the summer and has yet to pursue a move away, despite strong interest from the Premier League.
He has never been distracted and has always given his all for the club, and his love for the team and the fans is evident every time he scores.
I have no doubt that he will depart at the end of the season, and it will be exceedingly difficult to replace him, but it will be for no fault of his own; he has done everything he can for this club.
He is certainly better than the Championship though and I can’t wait to see what he can do in the top flight.
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