Sunderland coach Mike Dodds admits he didn't realise just how good Jude Bellingham was until he took a step back from coaching the youngster at their former club Birmingham City. The Black Cats coach has received a number of plaudits for developing the young England midfielder into one of the world's best talents at just 19-years-old.
Dodds took up the role of head player development in Sunderland's academy back in 2021. Alongside Michael Proctor, he was promoted to the first-team coaching set-up under former boss Alex Neil, with the duo becoming interim managers when the Scotsman left for Stoke City earlier this season.
The likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid have all been credited with an interest in the England international, who was one of the standout performers for Gareth Southgate's side at the World Cup. It's difficult to not wax lyrical about the former Blues midfielder and add pressure to such young shoulders.
