James Maddison was an excellent addition to Tottenham Hotspur, but his absence from their most recent game highlighted how dependent the team is on him. Spurs are rumoured to be interested in signing highly-regarded Sunderland youth player Jobe Bellingham, who has shown promise in the Championship.Bellingham has the potential to go to comparable heights in the future, although not yet being on Maddison’s level based on his strong early numbers.

James Maddison was a wise move made by Tottenham Hotspur when they paid £40 million to acquire him from Leicester City, who had been demoted. Football commentator Jamie Carragher has already called the England international “one of the most influential players” in the Premier League this year.

Spurs, on the other hand, had just six shots at Molineux with an expected goals total of 0.7 while the playmaker was out due to injury. Their performance against Wolverhampton Wanderers prior to the international break was tangible evidence that the team has grown quite dependent on Maddison to create chances under Ange Postecoglou.

Now, rumours are circulating that the North London team wants to strengthen their midfield before the January transfer window opens.

Football Insider claims that since January, when he was a member of Birmingham City’s starting eleven, Spurs have been monitoring Sunderland’s highly-regarded young player, Josh Bellingham, and have expressed interest in signing him. Additionally, according to the newspaper, Bellingham’s stellar play with the Black Cats has attracted interest from Bundesliga and other Premier League clubs.

Bellingham, who turned 18 in September, has played in every one of Sunderland’s 16 Championship games. Tony Mowbray’s team is currently on the hunt for a seven-year run back to the top division, and Bellingham has contributed to every one of those games. Despite playing as a number ten and a centre midfielder, the youthful player has managed to score three goals and earn one assist.

The brother of Real Madrid sensation Jude, Jobe has made waves in England’s second division and is hailed as a “absolute monster” in the making by former Premier League striker Troy Deeney.

Jobe Bellingham’s stats this season

If Bellingham signs with the English giants this winter, some Sunderland supporters even think he is a “copy and paste” of his older sibling, suggesting the young player has a higher ceiling than Maddison of Tottenham Hotspur.

When comparing Bellingham’s numbers at such a young age to all players at the same position from leagues comparable to the Championship during the previous calendar year, they are undoubtedly impressive. The £3 million midfield player is in the top 2% and top 12%, respectively, for non-penalty xG per 90 and non-penalty goals per 90. Furthermore, according to FBref, Bellingham is now ranked in the top 19% for progressive passes received per 90 and the top 6% for touches in the offensive penalty area per 90.

Bellingham is tied with Dan Neil on three goals this season and has a 56% shot accuracy and 17% conversion rate, which is higher than any other player for the Black Cats this season aside from Jack Clarke.

Despite his youth, Bellingham’s scary talent is being demonstrated by the Sunderland prodigy, who is matching Maddison in a number of important offensive measures.

Jobe Bellingham James Maddison
Goals 0.22 0.31
Expected Goals 0.25 0.29
Assists 0.07 0.51
Expected Assists 0.1 0.33
Key Passes 0.89 3.16
Progressive Passes 4.07 9.9
Progressive Carries 1.78 2.96
Goals Per Shot 0.13 0.11
Stats via FBref

Bellingham is still far behind Maddison in terms of talent, particularly when it comes to his inventiveness. If Spurs strike a deal with Sunderland in the upcoming months, the young player’s ability to even match some figures is a testament to his abilities and may indicate a future passing of the baton.

At N17, Maddison may be the shining light right now, but if a contract for the adolescent is completed in 2024, Bellingham might ascend to levels like to those of his Golden Boy-winning brother.