Jay Matete made an immediate impact at Sunderland after arriving from Fleetwood Town in the January transfer window, and it will be exciting to monitor how the 21-year-old manages the step up to the Championship.

The precocious talent was operating mainly from the fringes in the closing exchanges of the season, but remained a valued member of the squad throughout the Black Cats' play-off triumph under Alex Neil.

Matete gave an insight into his relationship with Neil and the challenge that lies ahead of him when he spoke to ChronicleLive.

He said: "I've never played in the Championship before so it will be new to me but I want to adapt quickly to it and show everyone that I can play at that level and have a good season.

"He's a very good coach, manager, and we got on well.

"I played quite a few games under him.

"He's been in the game a long time, he knows his stuff, and he's experienced.

"I learned a lot from him.

"He's a top, top gaffer, he's experienced and he knows the Championship well.

"I just want to learn from him and stay on board.

"I'm an athletic midfielder, I like to get around the pitch and be busy.

"The teams the gaffer has managed have been high-pressing teams so that will suit me."

There is plenty of competition for places on Wearside at the moment, particularly with every player hoping to prove they have what it takes at second tier level, and it could be an important pre-season for Matete to ensure that he is at the forefront of Neil's plans heading into this term.

The Verdict

 

 

There was a conscious decision from Neil to go with experience over youth, in looking to turn the club's form around when he entered the Stadium of Light dugout, but Matete seemed to be exempt from that, while the likes of Dan Neil and Callum Doyle saw their playing time significantly decreased.

Matete's relentless energy, and unselfish pitch coverage at times, appeared to strike the right note with the former Norwich City boss, and with a role model like Corry Evans alongside him, the 21-year-old could assert himself as a first choice midfield option this season.

Sunderland will be quietly confident of adjusting to second tier life with ease this term, and Matete's youthful exuberance in central midfield could have a positive influence on that materialising.