Recent remarks by Mike Dodds may not be good for one misfiring Sunderland gem.

Since Michael Beale was fired by Sunderland last month, the team has not triumphed.

The players’ lack of confidence during his unfavorable tenure set the tone for their present performance, and Dodds has not fared well either due to injuries sustained by players like Jack Clarke.

Furthermore, no one has been able to take over for Clarke.

Despite his lackluster performance thus far, Romaine Mundle was brought in during the January transfer window, most likely as Clarke’s long-term replacement.

Abdoullah Ba has been playing poorly elsewhere, and it’s possible that his play has gotten worse since Beale departed the team.

Furthermore, Dodds’ most recent remarks may not be good for the Frenchman.

Mike Dodds glancing at Tom Watson’s Sunderland minutes

Tom Watson is one name that has been drawing attention lately at the Academy of Light.

Social media footage that highlights Watson’s characteristics and similarities to Clarke has surfaced, giving fans more incentive to witness the 17-year-old in action as soon as possible.

Between now and the end of the season, Dodds has now suggested that Watson might see some playing time.

He and I have directly spoken about where he fits in, what I believe he does really well, and where I think he can develop. He is quite clear about that. He’s someone that will undoubtedly cross our minds at some time; it probably won’t be this weekend, but we’ll look into ways to maybe further incorporate him into the group after that.

A promotion from Tom Watson could be detrimental to Abdoullah Ba

Dodds currently only has Mundle and Ba as healthy first-team wingers, with Patrick Roberts and Clarke out.

Chris Rigg is another option, but Dodds seemed to favor him in a more central role, thus in the upcoming weeks, Watson might be required.

Watson, like Clarke, is a player who can get on the ball low and advance well up the pitch, beating people on the ball and scoring goals as well. This season, he has made six of his 12 competitive youth appearances. His recent performances for the young sides have also been quite remarkable.

It might therefore be terrible news for Ba, who has struggled since joining Sunderland before the previous season, especially as Mundle will probably get more opportunities from Sunderland and Dodds in the upcoming weeks.

After making a significant January investment in Mundle, Sunderland will undoubtedly be eager to give him more playing time than someone like Ba, who has had several opportunities but appears to be moving backwards more quickly than forward.

Ba has shown himself to be erratic, and although Mundle hasn’t shown much promise, Sunderland will want him to be fully committed for the upcoming campaign.

It would be intriguing to see if Watson can replace Ba in the side since the same might be said of Watson given that Clarke is probably leaving in the summer.