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JUST NOW: “Facts are,” says Mike Dodds in a concise reply to the Jobe Bellingham Sunderland selection controversy.

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4 months ago

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According to Mike Dodds, Sunderland is keeping a careful eye on their 18-year-old midfielder’s workload.

While acknowledging that he is keeping an eye on Jobe Bellingham’s workload, Mike Dodds is adamant that the midfielder’s physical output indicates there aren’t any fatigue-related problems at this time.

Bellingham has made 36 appearances for Sunderland so far this season in all competitions, tallying five goals. Several fans worry that he may burn out if he is kept on as a regular under all three head coaches this season, as was the case with several of the team’s brightest talents during the League One promotion run.

Although Dodds acknowledged that point of view, he pointed out that Bellingham’s performance data did not support it.

“It’s something we’ve got to be mindful of because he’s 18,” Dodds added.

“The best thing about my job is that we have access to a ton of data about running speeds, distance traveled, and other related topics. We would need to pay attention to it if we sensed a significant decline in what he provides for us.

“But the one thing I would say about Jobe is he is always near the top when it comes to distance covered, high-intensity running, all of those types of things. We’re monitoring that all the time with all the players and if we see something where the physios or the sport science department flag up that someone is potentially fatiguing or flatlining, then you have that conversation. I really don’t want to be that guy who talks about data too much, but the facts are that when he plays he covers a huge amount of distance for us. The second half against Swansea in particular, the distance he covered in terms of his high-speed running were some of the best of the season – so he got stronger as that one went on. I understand it being a talking point and completely get it given that he’s 18, but it’s something we’re monitoring and if the time comes where we have to make a decision, then we will.”

Despite this, Bellingham might be one of many Sunderland players rotated this week; Dodds has stated that he intends to “use the squad” despite a demanding timetable.

Chris Rigg, a fellow midfielder, impressed this past weekend against Norwich City while starting on the bench, and it appears that he may soon get his first Championship start.

“We’re going to have to utilise the squad, it’s three games in a week,” Dodds stated.

“Riggy is a tremendous asset to the football team, and he has trained incredibly well,” I only have good things to say about him. He has a close relationship with the team. Riggy and I get along well, and I think it’s great that he wants to succeed for the football team. Players like that are crucial to the team’s success, not just for me personally.”

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