Jobe Bellingham doesn’t think Sunderland’s lack of experience will count against them this season in their bid to make the Premier League. The young star has been speaking about the club's promotion challenge and what it's like to play alongside Enzo Le Fee.
Sunderland suffered heartache against Leeds United on Monday, conceding twice late on to slip to a 2-1 defeat. Victory would have taken Regis Le Bris' side into third place, just four points off Leeds, but it proved to be another game which saw late goals conceded.
Bellingham insists that a lack of experience isn't holding back the young Black Cats. The 19-year-old midfielder loves playing under Le Bris and reckons there are enough older hands in the squad to be successful this term.
“A lot of people have a lot to say about our age and our lack of experience,” he said on Sky Sports. “I don’t see it that way. I think within the squad we’ve got a lot of experience and a lot of character and fearlessness as well.”
On Le Bris he said: “He helped us all express ourselves. That showed against Sheffield Wednesday [won 4-0] in the first game. It was brilliant, it was a really good day for us and our fans as well. It showed our intent for this season.
“I definitely realised quite early on that he was really calculated in his work. And he likes to analyse and he gives you a lot of feedback which is really good.
“Because you want to know where you stand, for me anyway, and know how you can improve and get better. He is a really calming figure to have on the touchline as well. Probably a contrast to the stands in the Stadium of light but he is calm and it gives us a lot of freedom.”
Sunderland strengthen in January with the capture of Enzo Le Fee on loan from Roma. The playmaker has come in and improved the Black Cats and Bellingham admits he is an admirer.
Le Fee's playmaking ability has lit up the Championship, but while his team-mate says there is a swagger to the Frenchman, there is no arrogance to Lee Fee despite his reputation as one of the most exciting players outside of the top flight.
He said: “I think he’s got great ability on the ball but what I’ve noticed about him is he’s got a real hunger to succeed. He’s not come in with any sort of arrogance. You may think he has arrogance the way that he plays but that’s just a swagger, that’s good and something that you need. As a lad and a team-mate he’s been really good.”
Battling for promotion is a thrill and going head-to-head with Leeds, Sheffield United and Burnley is a big motivator for Sunderland as they approach the business end of the season. Sunderland are back in action against Hull City at the Stadium of Light tomorrow and Bellingham knows they can keep the pressure on the leaders, with top two Leeds and Sheffield not playing until Monday night.
He added: “It’s really healthy, it gives us something to chase, and it keeps standards high on the training ground and in games as well. It’s been great for all of us and we want to end the season as high as possible, give our all and see where that takes us.”
