‘Facts are..’: Mike Dodds offers clear response to Jobe Bellingham Sunderland selection debate

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

“However, there is one thing I would say about Jobe: he consistently ranks in the top half when it comes to running distance, intensity, and other related metrics. We continuously watch all of the players, and if we notice anything that the sport science department or the physiotherapists notice that could indicate that a player is flatlining or possibly becoming fatigued, you have that discussion. He plays a great distance for us, and while I really don’t want to be that person who talks about numbers all the time, the facts are what I see. He became stronger as the game progressed, especially in the second half against Swansea when he ran at a high tempo and covered some of the best distance of the season. I recognise that it’s a talking point and that he’s 18 years old, but we’re keeping an eye on it and will take appropriate action if the time comes.”

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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