5 reasons why Lynden Gooch will be a success at Sunderland

It has been a whirlwind 18 months for Sunderland’s Lynden Gooch. In February 2015, the American youngster made his debut on loan at Gateshead, and just a year and a half later, the 20-year-old would make his Premier League debut away to Manchester City.

Although it is only early days in his Sunderland career, many are tipping the American to go far on Wearside.

Here are five reasons why SHOOT think the young midfielder could be a big hit for the Black Cats…

Work Ethic

Despite only having five appearances under his belt at Sunderland, fans have already been impressed with Gooch’s strong work ethic.

This stemmed from his impressive display in his debut against Manchester City, where he did a good job of keeping their full-backs quiet.

If there’s one thing Sunderland fans hate, it’s players who do not look interested and don’t track back to help the team defend. This is why it is refreshing to see a player who’s willing to put in the groundwork at both ends of the pitch.

In my opinion, Gooch should be given the chance to start games, as the likes of Adnan Januzaj and Duncan Watmore often seem reluctant to track back and help the team defend.

This work ethic combined with the quality and potential he possesses has seen him called up the USA national side for the first time.

Confident

It is clear to see that the young American believes in his ability and feels he can go far in the game. For some, this type of confidence can burden them, for example the likes of Mario Balotelli and Dimitar Berbatov, who could have been world-beaters if they applied themselves in every single game.

However, it is clear to see that Gooch’s confidence has only helped his career.

In a recent interview with The Guardian, Gooch said, “I knew I was good enough” and has never doubted that he would succeed on the football pitch.

To be thrown in at the deep end on your Premier League debut at just 20-years-old and to put in a performance as good as he did, shows that the youngster has complete belief in himself.

Cares about the club

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Means everything to me #redwhitearmy ❤️ https://t.co/hDTWbrs9of

— Lynden Gooch (@lyndengooch46) August 21, 2016

With his talent attracting the attention of several European teams, Gooch joined the Black Cats and their Under-16 side back in 2012 and hasn’t looked back since.

Having progressed through the Under-16, Under-18 and Under-21 sides, it would appear that Gooch has built up a love for the club and it is clear to see both on the pitch and on social media.

On Gooch’s Twitter account it is clear to see that he does care for the club as he often tweets and replies to fans.

For example, after the loss at home against Middlesbrough, Gooch tweeted, “Means everything to me #redwhitearmy” in reply to a fans photo of Gooch looking distraught at the loss.

It always seems to be the players who care about the club who succeed, such as the likes of Lee Cattermole and previously Jordan Henderson.

Can play in various positions

With Sunderland’s team currently falling apart in training sessions and on the field with numerous injuries, it is welcoming to know we have a player in Gooch who can play in several positions across the midfield and up top.

In his debut, he played on the wing and did a great job going forward and defensively. However, a week later, he was made to play in the centre of midfield against Middlesbrough. In both positions the youngster looked comfortable.

This is also a positive for manager David Moyes, as when he needs to change things around in a match, he can rely on Gooch to be able to quickly adapt to a new position.

Having said that, I do believe Gooch is best utilised on the wing and we need to get players in their favoured positions if we are to stay up this season.

Quality

Arguably the most important factor on this list is the fact that Gooch is a quality footballer.

When on the ball, he is not scared to run at a player, take them on and try and create a chance for his team. It is also noticeable that he is good making space for his teammates and has the ability to open up a match.

He also possesses quality off the ball, as mentioned earlier. Gooch isn’t afraid to work his socks off for his teammates when Sunderland aren’t in possession. He also isn’t afraid to get stuck in, which again is something the Sunderland fans love.

Although it is only early in his Sunderland career, if Gooch keeps up this level of performance, he could be a key player in Sunderland’s survival bid.