MIKE DODDS has rebuffed claims that Jobe Bellingham needs to rest, claiming that the teenager’s statistics show he is as fit as ever.
Bellingham, who joined Sunderland from Birmingham City in the summer, is enjoying a very active first full season in the Championship.
The 18-year-old has started 32 of the Black Cats’ 35 league games this season and is poised to start this evening’s home game against leaders Leicester City.
It has been stated in recent weeks that the teenager is not performing to his full potential and would benefit from a break from the team.
While Dodds says he is always cautious of Bellingham’s age (the midfielder will not be 19 until September), he insists that the statistics shows the teenager’s physical output remains as impressive as ever.
“It’s something we need to be aware of because he’s 18,” stated Sunderland’s interim manager. “But the beauty of my position is that we have access to a wealth of data on distance covered, high-speed running, and other topics.
If we notice a significant decrease in what he provides, we must prioritize it.But one thing I can say about Jobe is that he is consistently around the top in terms of distance covered, high-intensity running, and other similar activities. We are always monitoring that with all of the players, and if the physios or the sport science department notice that someone is potentially fatigued or flatlining, we have that chat.
“I don’t want to be that person who talks about numbers all the time, but the truth is that when he plays, he covers a lot of ground for us.
The distance he covered with his high-speed running in the second half against Swansea was some of the greatest of the season, so he grew stronger as the game progressed.
“I understand it being a talking point and completely get it given that he’s 18, but it’s something we’re monitoring and if the time comes where we have to make a decision, then we will.”
Adil Aouchiche is one among the players that might potentially replace Bellingham in Sunderland’s starting lineup, although while the Frenchman rose to prominence under Tony Mowbray, he has since receded into the background under both Dodds and his predecessor Michael Beale.
Aouchiche was an unused replacement in Sunderland’s defeat at Norwich City last weekend, but after spoken with the forward in recent days, Dodds believes he is moving closer to making his first professional start since December.
“I had a conversation with Adil this week and I feel like we’ve got him in a spot where he’s got a level of concentration and focus that’s really important for a head coach if you’re going to pick a player,” he was quoted as saying. “I think we have him in a fantastic situation right now, so I don’t think he’s too far away from the squad.
“When it comes to team selection, my difficulty is determining whether Adil’s advantages and abilities are positively or negatively counteracting the opposition. So it’s about finding the proper opportunity for Adil and his skills.
“We had a long chat with him about where he is with his concentration and focus, and it has improved significantly. So, as a result, he’s not so far off from our cognitive processes.”
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