Blacks Cats’ dynamic duo are a winning partnership
THE central midfield partnership of Lee Cattermole and Grant Leadbitter has improved Sunderland in and out of possession, and they are talking a good game too according to left-back Reece James.
It is ten years since Cattermole and Leadbitter first became team-mates, when the former moved to the Stadium of Light from Wigan Athletic. But with Leadbitter sold to Ipswich Town weeks later, the pair played together for the first time against Gillingham.
Before then, Sunderland were stuck into a frustrating sequence of seven draws in nine league games. With the pair in tandem, they beat Gillingham 4-2 and Bristol Rovers 2-0.
Despite a welter of highquality individuals to choose from, finding the right central midfield balance has been a challenge for Jack Ross this season, but his latest pairing have provided leadership, solidity, creativity, and a Cattermole goal against Gillingham, made by Leadbitter.
“The experience they’ve got is massive and they only help out us behind them,” said James. “Their talking is massive for us and the protection they give us, either in the air or on the floor, is great.
“It’s just as good when they are on the ball because they’re so composed, they take the pressure right off. They take the sting out of the game.”
Leadbitter rejoined the club on a free transfer from Middlesbrough in January, and the holding midfielder has brought unexpected benefits.
Having been completely ineffective from them all season, Sunderland have scored four goals from corners taken by the 33-year-old, who has started every game since rejoining the club where he started his career.
Cattermole, three years Leadbitter’s junior, has also brought an unexpected dimension to the Black Cats this season.
The Teessider has scored four goals this term, more than in his previous nine campaigns combined. His goal against Gillingham was his first at the Stadium of Light.
Cattermole was injured when Leadbitter arrived.
That they have gelled so quickly is bad news for the likes of Max Power, Dylan McGeouch and Bali Mumba.
Power, who had initially partnered Leadbitter, could not find the right chemistry with him, as he has struggled to with his other central midfield colleagues.
McGeouch showed his quality in pre-season and has impressed against more sophisticated teams when Sunderland have played Premier League development sides in the Football League Trophy, but there are not many League One sides who try to out-football the Black Cats.
The Scotland international’s 11th league start was at home to Luton Town in January. His only league appearance since was as an 85thminute substitute against Gillingham.
Highly-rated teenager Mumba has started only one League One match since August.
Central midfielder Luke O’Nien has carved out a niche for himself as an attacking right-back, while George Honeyman started on the right in the previous two matches, only to move into a No.10 role in each.
It would be a surprise were Leadbitter and Cattermole not to start at home to Plymouth Argyle on Saturday.