The Sunderland youngster has made an encouraging start to pre-season and was one of the standout performers in the Championship.
Sunderland are in the midst of their pre-season preparations ahead of one of their most important campaigns in their recent history, when they embark on life in League One for the first time in 30 years.
The Black Cats have made an average start to pre-season, having played Darlington, Hartlepool United and most recently Grimsby Town.
And one of the standout performers from Sunderland’s three friendlies of the summer has been 22-year-old midfielder Lynden Gooch, who also impressed in his side’s dismal Championship campaign.
Gooch has played in all three of Sunderland’s pre-season fixtures, but caught the eye in their most recent game against League Two side Grimsby Town, where the Black Cats won 1-0.
Sunderland’s youngster netted a wonderfully-timed header in the 31st minute of the match from a cross which came from one of Jack Ross’s new signings, Chris Maguire.
Gooch’s performance over the 90 minutes certainly made the travelling fans come to the conclusion of the player being an excellent outlet in midfield for the former Premier League regulars.
And not only has Gooch impressed in pre-season, the midfielder also captured Sunderland fans’ imagination in spells last season, despite the Black Cats’ eventual relegation from the second tier.
Gooch made 24 appearances, scoring one goal and providing four assists. But it was the youngster’s natural ability on the ball and his desire to run at defenders that makes him an excellent asset in a league which lacks technical ability and relies more on physical attributes.
However, Gooch’s stature and his physical strength also allows him to stand up to many of the tougher midfield opponents who he is likely to come across next season.
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