Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray believes he has unlocked Jack Clarke’s potential after the winger struggled to make a name for himself at Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur.
In another world, in another era, Jack Clarke might have been a success at Tottenham. Imagine, for instance, that he had been snapped up by Paul Mitchell before working day-in, day-out with Mauricio Pochettino, a la fellow EFL import Dele Alli.
Clarke, then, was arguably a victim of timing and circumstance.
Pochettino was sacked just four months after the baby-faced teenager arrived in North London for a fee of £10 million. And it’s fair to say the Argentine’s replacement – one Jose Mourinho – is not exactly renowned for youth development, Clarke barely getting a look in before being farmed out on a series of loans.
Former Tottenham man Jack Clarke shining at Sunderland
The one-time Leeds whizzkid finally cut ties with Spurs last year, joining Sunderland on a permanent basis. And, with nine goals in 14 Championship starts this term, Clarke is now reaping the benefits of sharing a dressing room with one Tony Mowbray, a coach with such an impressive track record with young players that Liverpool, Everton, Man City and co were lining up to send their brightest talents on loan to Blackburn during his time at Ewood Park.
“How many (goals) can he get this season? If we can play really positive like we are now and have attacking moments, then Jack is devastating.” Mowbray tells the Mirror.
“He has a huge aerobic capacity to keep running. He can run fast all day. A huge attribute for any footballer. He will keep scoring and hurting teams and mixing his game up. I hope he is enjoying his football, and the club can do everything they can to keep him here for a successful season.”
Clarke is now the Championship’s top scorer, hitting the net again during Saturday’s 3-1 triumph over embattled Norwich City.
‘Devastating’
“Jack is a wonderful character. A unique personality. A young boy who left Leeds for £10 million to go to Spurs. For whatever reason, it didn’t work out (at Tottenham),” Mowbray adds, speaking to ITV’s English Football League Highlights show.
“(But) you don’t get sold for £10 million without having the talent. The talent was always there. For me, to try and unlock the mystery of Jack Clarke was to show him some love really, and tell him how important he is.”
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