Does Bali Mumba starting against Darlington suggest he could be a first team regular for Sunderland next season?

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The 16-year-old started in Sunderland’s first pre-season game of this summer against Darlington, where the Black Cats were beaten 1-0.

Sunderland fans travelled to Darlington last night to watch their side play in their first pre-season friendly before a pivotal season in League One next month.

The Black Cats were beaten 1-0 against the National League side, thanks to a Jordan Nicholson goal, but new manager Jack Ross certainly experimented with different aspects of his new squad, with the 42-year-old even making eight changes on the 60 minute mark.

Also in Ross’ starting XI was 16-year-old Bali Mumba, a player tipped highly to go to the top of the game and somebody who had even been talked about as a future Sunderland captain.

But does the England Under-17 star starting at Blackwell Meadows against Darlington give any suggestion that the youngster may be a regular first teamer in Sunderland’s League One squad next season?

Mumba came on as a substitute for the Black Cats last season and was even given the captain’s armband when former defender John O’shea came off against Wolverhampton Wanderers on the last day of Sunderland’s dismal 2017/18 Championship campaign.

And the midfielder certainly fits into the former St Mirren boss’ mantle of fielding a Sunderland side with young players within it next season, especially with several of Sunderland’s older players either set to leave the club or having already departed.

However, a stumbling block for Mumba in his quest to be a regular starter in the infamous red and white is whether or not he possesses the physical attributes needed for life in League One, with the midfielder not only young but also of a smaller build to other midfielders on Sunderland’s books.

Although despite his smaller size, it is with little doubt that Mumba can play a big part in Sunderland’s promotion bid next term, especially with his silky footwork, willingness to push forward with the ball and his general desire to win.

And if Sunderland’s Scottish manager does decide to grant Mumba with a regular place in his new side, it is with little doubt that he will play an imperative part in not only the youngster’s development, but also keeping the player grounded at such an early stage in his footballing career.