Sunderland’s Lynden Gooch and and Duncan Watmore have both been selected regularly over the start of the season.
Jermain Defoe has told the Shields Gazette that he finds it amazing that Lyden Gooch and Duncan Watmore are in Sunderland’s first-team, despite their tender years.
Watmore, who is just 22, and Gooch, who is only 20, have both been given key roles by new Sunderland boss David Moyes.
The pair both have started regularly for the Black Cats this term, and Defoe is pleased that the youngsters are being handed a chance.
“I remember when I came through at West Ham the team were playing well. It was easier,” Defoe said.
“It is not easy for these lads when we are searching for a first win. “For the likes of Lynden Gooch, and Duncan Watmore, to be playing Premier League games is amazing.”
Watmore broke into Sunderland’s first team last season, and he played fairly regularly under Sam Allardyce.
Gooch, however, was very inexperienced before the campaign started, but he has been one of the few positives from Sunderland’s season.
The youngster has played fearlessly so far, and his performances have generally caught the eye.
Whether Watmore and Gooch will retain their places remain to be seen, as the pressure is beginning to build on Sunderland.
The Black Cats have failed to pick up a victory in the Premier League yet, and their next fixture comes against Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend.
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