One Sunderland youngster has been hailed as ‘a cut above’ in last night’s win over Liverpool U21s.
Sunderland U21s are enjoying some fine form at the moment, winning three of their last four games and sitting in seventh place in Premier League 2.
The Black Cats hosted Liverpool in last night’s clash, with the Reds having been sat five points above them.
Liverpool initially took the lead before Harrison Jones tucked away the equaliser, before Timur Tutierov slotted home the winner shortly after.
Sunderland now sit just two points from fourth place and qualifies them for the knockout stages of Premier League 2, before their final match of the campaign against Blackburn tomorrow afternoon.
Jones is now Sunderland U21s top goalscorer with six goals in 18 games from midfield, but it remains Tommy Watson who has attracted attention for his performance.
The ‘magic’ winger now has four goal contributions in his last four games, taking his tally for the season to eight goals and three assists in 15 matches.
Tom Watson ‘ran riot’ against Liverpool’s wonderkids
Despite Liverpool featuring players such as Stefan Bajcetic, Bobby Clark, James McConnell, Rhys Williams and Jayden Danns – who have over 70 senior appearances between them – Watson was ‘a cut above’ the rest yesterday.
Watson was named man of the match by Roker Report for the win on Wearside, writing: “Ran riot down the left all game and but for better finishing could easily have had a hat-trick of assists, rather than just the one he came away with. Came close to scoring after being played in by Tutierov.
“Just edges out Tutierov and Bell, although both had very good games as well. Liverpool couldn’t handle him all game, unfortunate to only get one assist following surging runs and first time left-footed crosses to team-mates. Cut inside at one point and forced a good save by the goalkeeper and looked a cut above throughout.”
When will we see him in action?
Tom Watson was spotted warming up with the Sunderland senior team ahead of their defeat to Millwall at the weekend, hinting he could perhaps be closing in on a place on the bench.
The Black Cats only have two games remaining and, while Mike Dodds has been hesitant to bring him in, the home loss to the Lions may change his mind.
Mason Burstow’s loan spell is set to end soon and his place on the bench is rather pointless now, so there is no reason why he shouldn’t be replaced by one of Sunderland’s young gems.
I would even consider starting Watson against Sheffield Wednesday on the final day, but I would also be very surprised if Dodds was willing to take such a ‘risk’ – despite the lack of repercussions.