Sunderland youngster Elliot Embleton was breaking into the first-team when injury hit. First, he injured his hamstring last September, an injury that required surgery and kept him out until January. His first week of training ended with another hamstring injury. Fans were expecting him to play a big role in the Black Cat’s promotion bid; however, due to the suspension of the League, Embleton didn’t get his chance.
Now with a new season just weeks away, many are expecting the 21-year-old to have a major impact, especially those who have seen him play regularly first hand.
Sunderland’s Elliot Embleton is One to Look Out for Next Season
Luck With Injuries and He Could Shine
It’s no secret that England youth international Embleton has had bad luck with injuries, especially last season. A full pre-season with those injuries behind him could give Phil Parkinson a selection headache ahead of the new campaign. The 21-year-old has had several false dawns at the Stadium of Light, but this new season could be the one where he shines.
Embleton Has Made an Impression on Those He’s Worked With
Sunderland’s talented midfielder has impressed everyone he has worked with. From those at Sunderland, opposition coaches and those in charge at Grimsby Town where he had a successful loan spell.
Before last season came to a halt, Sunderland manager Phil Parkinson advised that he had intentions to get Embleton involved with the first-team as they pushed for promotion.
“I’ve always said to him that I feel he’s got a part to play,” he said. “He’s a player of real quality; he can unlock the door with a bit of quality, and I feel he’s got a role to play”
The management team at Grimsby Town where Embleton spent the 2018/19 season were highly complementary: “Elliot adapted really well.
“He moved the ball quickly, took people on and his decision making was something that stood out for me. He knew when to dribble, he knew when to pass and he was really a creator for us.
“There’s been a lot of good players that come from clubs at a higher level into League Two and just can’t put it together for one reason or another, but Elliot did really well for us.”
Could be The Spark Sunderland Need
Two seasons in League One has seen the club, and their supporters, grow frustrated and desperate to mount a serious promotion push. The Black Cats have lacked a spark in their team at times, and having a local in their team, one who is as talented as Embleton can be, could prove to be the difference.
The 21-year-old can operate in several positions in midfield, is two-footed, skilful and an excellent work ethic. His manager while on loan at Grimsby, Michael Jolley, believes that Embleton can be a major player for Sunderland next season:
“He had a confidence which top players have – which was basically him saying ‘give me the ball and I will make things happen for the team’,” the former Mariners boss said.
“Even better, he was able to back this up because he stood out a mile in League Two as one the best players in that division. The movements and passes he made were sometimes on a different wavelength to some of the other players we had, no disrespect to them.”
“I am 100% convinced that Elliot is more than capable of playing a central role for Sunderland in League One, and beyond. I know he has had his injury problems last season but if he can stay fit, Sunderland have an outstanding young player at their disposal and I wouldn’t bet against him securing a regular starting position for them next season.”
One to Watch in What Could be an Eventful Season
The future appears to be bright for Elliot Embleton. If the talented midfielder can stay clear of injuries, he could play a big part for Phil Parkinson next season. The 21-year-old midfielder is definitely one to watch out for during next season’s battle for promotion in League One.
With teams such as Sunderland, Portsmouth, Peterborough United, Fleetwood Town, Oxford United and Ipswich Town expected to be challenging, they will be joined by those relegated from the Championship. This adds Charlton Athletic, Wigan Athletic and Hull City to the list of teams who will desperately be trying to be in England’s second-tier by next summer.
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