According to a recent report by the Daily Mirror, Sunderland are keeping a keen eye on the progress of Tottenham Hotspur wonderkid Maxwell Statham. However, the same source has also mentioned that the Black Cats will face stiff competition from a whole host of other clubs in pursuit of the English starlet. The Mirror has also revealed that Norwich City are currently the favourites to land him, but as we all know, things change quickly in football. Thus, Jack Ross and co. could still have a decent chance of winning the race for the Southend born talent at the end of this campaign if they act quickly and move in for him in the summer.
The Spurs prospect could be an intelligent, long-term addition for Sunderland as they look to re-establish their brand in English football. The Wearside outfit are still in with an opportunity to earn a promotion back to the EFL Championship, but it won’t be easy for them with Luton Town and Barnsley in such great form in the Football League One.
Statham has incredible potential, but he needs to work hard on his game and get more minutes on the pitch. The Stadium of Light could be an ideal destination for the youngster as he tries to make his mark at the senior level.
Statham grew up in the southeast of England before joining Spurs and working his way up their youth ranks. He is currently an integral member of Tottenham Under-18 side for whom he has been a rock at the back this season. However, he has not come close to breaking into Pochettino’s senior team so far which might indicate that he still has a long way to go before he can be a regular starter in the Premier League.
The English centre-back’s powerful defensive displays have helped Spurs battle for the English Under-18 Premier League title as they are currently occupying the 2nd spot, just a point behind their local rivals, Arsenal. Statham has a promising career in English football and could be a player to watch out for in the coming years. However, Statham has still got a long way to go before he is ready to perform at the highest level. Thus, it is essential for Ross to provide him with a nurturing environment at the Stadium of Light.
Other than his defensive strengths, Statham doesn’t have the ball-playing abilities like most other modern centre-backs. Even though he will be a decent addition to the Sunderland squad in the long-run, Ross is better of acquiring someone who can have a more immediate effect in improving his current team at the Wearside club.
