Sunderland footage shows future is bright beyond Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham: View | OneFootball

Footage of the Sunderland under-18s goal against Stoke City shows that the future is bright on Wearside.

Many of Sunderland's side have been under the magnifying glass this season due to their impressive start to the Championship campaign.

Given the Black Cats have fielded the youngest side in the league (22.7) for the third successive season, it is no surprise that some of their players have been touted for greatness.

Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham are two players gaining significant attention for their performances and have also been the subject of Premier League links in recent times.

However, the future looks bright beyond the talents of the teenagers, with footage of the Sunderland under-18s showcasing the future stars of the Stadium of Light.

James Copley posted the footage of the Sunderland under-18s goal on his 'X' account, following the post on the SAFC academy page.

The video showed a wonderfully worked team goal down the left-hand side of Sunderland's attack. The passing masterclass included two nutmegs and an emphatic finish by central-midfielder Jaydon Jones.

The goal was Sunderland under 18-s fourth of the game in a 4-3 win over Stoke City in the U18 Premier League. The Black Cats academy side are currently third in the table, with four wins from a possible four.

Such footage will be encouraging for Sunderland fans, and it just goes to show that the style of play being implemented in the first team is also being utlilised in the academy.

Tommy Watson looks set to be the next academy product to make an impact at the club. Having impressed at youth level, the left-winger looks set to benefit from first team football in the near future.

Regis Le Bris told the Northern Echo that the 18-year-old will benefit from opportunities as the games come thick and fast: “I think he is very close to the squad, and he will have opportunities during the periods we are going into where we have three games in a week. I am sure he will get opportunities to show what he is able to do.”

Sunderland academy prospects looking to follow in Rigg and Bellingham's footsteps

While Bellingham was signed from Birmingham City, Rigg came through Sunderland's academy, but both are flourishing in the Black Cats' fledgling side.

Since Kyril Louis-Drefus' takeover of the club in 2021, there has been a significant shift in the direction of the club, with the Wearsiders placing a greater emphasis on youth.

Under Tony Mowbray's guidance, the side produced their best football in years and the style of play allowed young players to express themselves on the pitch.

Although the team's progress was stunted last year under Michael Beale and Mike Dodds, Le Bris has got the side back to playing their best attacking football, with youth an integral part of the team.

Of course, the additions of experienced heads like Chris Mepham and Alan Browne have aided the Black Cats, but it is the young players who are drawing the plaudits.

While everybody knew Rigg's potential, he has excelled this season and has grasped his first team opportunity with both hands by putting in some match-winning displays. Indeed, his goal against Middlesbrough symbolised his intelligent footballing brain.

As for Bellingham, he has been a lynchpin in the Sunderland side since his arrival just over a year ago. Last season, the midfielder played in 45 of Sunderland's 46 Championship matches and chipped in with seven goals and one assist last season.

This season, he has elevated his game to the next level and is exuding confidence. Bellingham's physical presence and confidence on the ball make him look like a player who has been playing Championship football for five years.

While both players are the subject of media attention, they owe a great deal to Sunderland for giving them the platform to shine and, in signing new contracts, they have shown that first team football is the way forward, rather than moving too early in their careers.

As for the academy prospects at the club, they must be licking their lips with the potential of regular first team football so early in their careers as they aim to be the next Rigg or Bellingham.

The footage of the Sunderland under-18s goal is a cause for optimism, given the classy passing move and finish from the academy outfit.

The Black Cats' classy brand of football is seeping from the first team down through the academy, which means the transition through the club will be more seamless.

In Rigg and Bellingham, Sunderland possess two role models for the academy prospects who know that they will be given minutes if they are good enough, regardless of age.