Jenson Jones reveals how playing with senior pros has boosted Sunderland’s U21s in Europe

Sunderland defender Jenson Jones says the chance to play alongside senior professionals has been “massively helpful” as Graeme Murty’s side prepare for their latest Premier League International Cup fixture against Sporting CP.

Several first-team players – including Dan Neil, Anthony Patterson, Luke O’Nien and Dennis Cirkin – have featured across the opening two group matches to build match fitness, and Jones believes their presence has had a tangible impact on the squad’s growth.

“It’s been great to play alongside some of the first-team players,” the 19-year-old said. “They make the game so much easier, with the knowledge that they have of the game. They’ve massively helped me in these games, in the way that they coach me through it. They’re really good to have alongside, and has helped to push me to be better.”

Sunderland have taken four points from their opening two fixtures, including last week’s emphatic 7–1 win over Athletic Club at the Stadium of Light. Jones says the European competition has challenged the group in ways the domestic schedule cannot.

“These European games have been a really good thing for us this season,” he explained. “They’ve helped us to experience a different brand of football than what we’re used to in the Premier League 2. Coming up against some of the best U21 teams in Europe has tested us a lot, and they’re only going to help us grow and develop as players.”

All of Sunderland’s Premier League International Cup matches this season are being staged at the Stadium of Light, offering academy players a valuable taste of senior surroundings. For Jones, a boyhood supporter who progressed through the club’s youth ranks, it remains a special experience.

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“Playing at the Stadium of Light is always a great thing to do, no matter what age category I’m in,” he said. “It’s the stadium that I’ve grown up watching games at, so to play here is amazing. After coming through the academy, the end goal is to play there every week, but getting to do it at certain points for the U21s is a really great feeling.”

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Jones believes last week’s performance provides a strong platform heading into Thursday’s meeting with Portuguese giants Sporting CP. “Last Wednesday was a really positive performance from us. There’s definitely confidence growing in the group after a tough start to the season. However, we’ve really fought back in the last few games, and hopefully we can push on and get a result against Sporting CP on Thursday.”

What other Sunderland-related news is there?

Reports in Turkey suggest Sunderland left-back Arthur Masuaku could consider leaving the club in January, just months after signing a two-year deal at the Stadium of Light. The 32-year-old has struggled for minutes under Régis Le Bris, featuring just three times in the Premier League since his arrival from Beşiktaş in August.

Sources in his homeland claim Masuaku has informed his representatives that he would be open to returning to Beşiktaş if the Turkish club were to make an offer. The defender is said to be in regular contact with former teammates and is believed to be disappointed by his lack of involvement so far on Wearside. Masuaku enjoyed a two-year spell in Istanbul and previously made over 75 appearances for West Ham United. Sunderland have not commented on the speculation.

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