'Fantastic talent' Jobe Bellingham far more than just a name, says Sunderland coach

Sunderland youngster Jobe Bellingham is heading to the top 'regardless of the name on the back of his shirt,' says Mike Dodds.

Mike Dodds has praised Jobe Bellingham, saying the Sunderland youngster is ‘up there with the very best’ youngsters he has coached.

Dodds was pivotal in Jobe deciding to join Sunderland last summer, with the Sunderland coach having played a huge role in the development of brother Jude Bellingham.

Jude Bellingham is not the only young player Dodds has helped develop too, with him also working closely with the likes of Demarai Gray and Nathan Redmond as well.

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Jobe Bellingham, 18, starred for Sunderland in their fine win over Leeds on Tuesday night, scoring the winner late in the second half to give Dodds two wins from two in his spell as interim boss.

And, speaking after the game, Dodds said that while he was loathe to compare Jobe and Jude Bellingham, the Sunderland youngster does share some similarities – including the potential to go to the very top.

"Both brothers have a very similar mindset in terms of their relentless pursuit of where they want to get to,” Dodds said.

“[Jobe] made a really brave and tough decision to leave Birmingham, the club he supported all his life.

“Thankfully from my perspective it looks like he's made the right decision and I'm sure he would reiterate that. But it is tough for him, it is tough for him. And it will only get easier as he gets credit in the bank for himself.

"I think it speaks volumes for Jobe that as an 18-year-old boy in the Championship, he could play as No 9 against West Brom on Saturday and then a 10 against Leeds tonight.

“That shows what quality and class he has and just highlights what a fantastic talent he is regardless of the name on the back of his shirt. I think he can go to the very top.

“I've worked with a lot of young players and he would be up there with the very best I've worked with."

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