Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has discussed the talents of 19-year-old Jobe Bellingham, younger brother of Jude, following his match-winning performance against Norwich City.
Sunderland, currently positioned fourth in the Championship, are pursuing their first Premier League return since 2015. Their latest success came in a 2-1 victory over Norwich at the Stadium of Light, where Jobe capitalized on Jose Cordoba’s dismissal to score the decisive goal in the 72nd minute.
In his post-match comments, Le Bris highlighted Bellingham’s physical presence and game-changing abilities. The manager elaborated on the tactical aspects of Jobe’s role, explaining how they’re working to optimize his positioning. He noted that while Bellingham functions as a defensive midfielder (number six) when defending, they’re focused on finding the right balance to maximize his offensive impact.
Le Bris detailed Bellingham’s positional evolution throughout the season, from playing in an advanced role alongside the strikers to settling into a midfield position. He praised the young player’s rapid adaptation and learning ability.
When questioned about coaching Bellingham, Le Bris expressed appreciation for the challenge of working with ambitious players. He emphasized the importance of providing precise feedback, noting Bellingham’s ability to quickly discern its validity.
Looking ahead, while Jobe continues to excel for Sunderland, his performances have attracted interest from several European clubs, including Borussia Dortmund, where his brother Jude previously played. However, he’s expected to remain with Sunderland until the season’s conclusion before considering his future options.