Fans are convinced that Jobe Bellingham will reach the top of football after hearing his interview following Sunderland's 2-0 win over Cardiff.
The Black Cats were in play-off contention around the turn of the year, but began to slip down the table after the club sacked head coach Tony Mowbray and replaced him with Michael Beale.
Beale was himself sacked in February, but Sunderland's form nosedived further and they had lost six of their last seven games before travelling to the Cardiff City Stadium on Friday.
Advert
But first half goals from Adil Aouchiche and Bellingham ensured a crucial victory under the interim charge of Mike Dodds, and dispels any fears of being dragged into an unlikely Championship relegation scrap.
Sunderland signed Bellingham - the younger brother of Real Madrid star Jude - for a fee of around £5 million from Birmingham last summer, with the 18-year-old having been one of the club's key targets.
After a dip in form in recent weeks, Bellingham was back on song in Wales.
Advert
The youngster, who has seven goals to his name this season, came through the Birmingham academy as a midfielder, and continued that role in his early days with the Black Cats.
But amid a striker shortage, he has had to adapt to playing as a lone centre forward as the season has gone on - with Sunderland now starting to see the results.
And his mature interview after the game has Sunderland fans convinced that he has the attitude and mentality to make it all the way.
He said: "At the minute, I'm just learning really, because I have no idea what position I am.
Advert
"I suppose it's quite exciting in a way, because I'll find out as the years go on. I'll find out what I enjoy doing most.
"But it's up to the coaches to figure out where my attributes fit the team best. I'm not arsed where I play really, but as long as I'm in red and white that's fine."
One fan wrote: "He's got a very bright future the lad."
Advert
A second opined: "Going right to the top."
And a third added: "Listen to his love for the club and fans. Enjoy him while you can. He gets it."
As per OptaJoe, Bellingham's seven goals in the Championship this season is the highest tally by an 18-year-old in the second tier since Liverpool's Harvey Elliott netted the same number for Blackburn in 2020/21. He's got seven games left to beat it.
Featured Image Credit: Sunderland AFC / GettyTopics: EFL Championship, Football, Sunderland, Fan Reactions
