Jobe Bellingham received rave reviews for his performance in Sunderland's dramatic Championship play-off semi-final victory over Coventry.
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Bellingham branded Sunderland's "chief disruptor"Starred in Mackems' dramatic play-off winBeat Coventry with last-minute goalFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Bellingham played in the heart of midfield for Regis Le Bris' side, who led 2-1 on aggregate after the first leg but went behind to Brandon Thomas-Asante's strike for Coventry in the second half. Thirty minutes of extra time followed and the game seemed set for extra time, before Dan Ballard headed home from a corner to send the Stadium of Light wild.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportHOW THE MEDIA RATED BELLINGHAM
The Northern Echo rated Bellingham's performance higher than any Sunderland midfielder or forward, giving him a 7/10 and writing: "Sunderland’s chief disruptor at the heart of midfield – covered a lot of ground as he shackled Coventry’s creators."
Chronicle Live also gave Bellingham a 7/10, stating: "Made the midfield his own for an hour or so, on a night where his physicality shone through. Needed a bit more conviction with his play in the final third but stood out in extra-time."
The Sunderland Echo were not as glowing of Bellingham's efforts, awarding him a 5/10 but writing that he "improved when Sunderland switched to 4-3-3 late on".
HOW SOCIAL MEDIA REACTED TO BELLINGHAM'S PERFORMANCE
X users were full of praise for the midfielder, too, with @MainooMagic_ writing: "Jobe Bellingham deserves a move to a TOP CLUB this summer. CERTIFIED BALLER"
@PaSheikhnaS added: "Jobe Bellingham is a top top talent. He’s playing way beyond his years"
@noz_zyy said: "Need Jobe Bellingham in the Prem"
@connorru agreed, writing: "I don’t get the Jobe Bellingham hate. Every time I watch him he looks class"
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR BELLINGHAM?
Sunderland will need Bellingham at his best again to have the best possible chance of beating Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final at Wembley on May 24. The winner will be promoted to the Premier League.