Embleton insight that will excite Sunderland fans
“Elliotadaptedreallywell,” explains Limbrick.
“He moved the ball quickly, took people on and his decision making was something that stood out for me. He knew when to dribble, he knewwhentopassandhewas really a creator for us.
“He scored in one of the homegamesearlyonandafter that he found himself playing every week, barring injury.”
The goal Limbrick alludes to came in a defeat to Morecambe, which was just Embleton’s second appearance for the Mariners. His performance in that game quickly convinced the coaching staff thattheSunderlandyoungster could deal with the rough and tumble of League Two, and soon he was the first name on the team sheet.
“He quickly became the most important player in our team,” adds Jolley.
“He had a confidence whichtopplayershave-which was basically him saying ‘give me the ball and I will make things happen for the team’.”
It wasn’t just on a Saturday afternoon where Embleton was catching the eye, either.
Despite his young age and relative inexperience, he forgedaroleasoneofthemore vocal and competitive presences in the dressing room as Jolley explains.
“Embo wasn’t afraid to give his opinions and despite the fact that there were much more experienced lads in the dressing room. Embo always spoke up and gave his opinion. I think everyone fully respected him for that,” adds Limbrick. “Embo would always grab myself to do some extra work afterwards. We’d do some shooting and plenty of extras - he had a great mentalitytoworkhardanddevelop and I think that’s holding him in good stead now.”
There is a question as to where Embleton could slot into the Sunderland side this term - so where do his former coaches believe he can make the most impact?
“Heissuchagoodplayerhe couldplayalmostanywhereon the field, but I believe his best positionwillbeincentralmidfield, where he can exert the maximum influence over the game,” says Jolley.
“He could play as a deep lying midfielder to get involved in the build-up of play, but more likely is he plays as an attacking midfielder with a degree of freedom to roam into wide and forward positions.”
That’s a verdict that should offer hope for the youngster’s long-term hopes at the Stadium of Light given the club’s recent tactical switch.
But does he have the work rate Parkinson desires? The data certainly suggests so.
It’s telling that Embleton’s distance covered stats were consistentlyamongGrimsby’s top three during his loan spell - with his former manager praisinghisdesiretogetstuck into the task at hand, regardless of where he was played.
“He is a willing lad and alwaysappliedhimselfsuperbly to whatever responsibilities I gave him,” continues Jolley.
IshereadyforLeagueOne? That’s the crucial question, and one which has been difficult to answer given Embleton’sunfortunatelackofgame
time last season.
But when posed the question, both of his coaches at Grimsby give a ringing endorsement - and bring out some sterling comparisons.
“I think he could play regularly in League One,” says Limbrick. “Being in a good side and having good players around him could really help him, and I think his mentality is strong and he’d be able to play in League One.”
“I am 100% convinced that Elliot is more than capable of playing a central role for SunderlandinLeagueOne,andbeyond,” adds Jolley.
“I know he has had his injury problems last season but if he can stay fit, Sunderland have an outstanding young player at their disposal and I wouldn’t bet against him securing a regular starting position for them next season.
"He’s still very young and has plenty of learning still to do, but with his talent and attitude I believe he can play in thePremierLeaguelaterinhis career.”