The rise and rise of Lee Cattermole

Lee Cattermole is currently one of the hottest prospects in England and he has had the best possible development for a young player. He took one step at the time in his career and is now on the road to become one of true England greats. His latest switch to Sunderland will additionally help him mature and grow as a player, and maybe even help him win the place in England World Cup squad. This is a bit far-fetched knowing that Cattermole is yet to win a senior cap but anything is possible when this player is concerned.

Lee Cattermole came through the youth ranks at Middlesbrough, where he made his debut in the derby game against Newcastle. His first professional match showed that he was a star in the making as he picked up the Man of the Match award after playing full 90 minutes of the Tyne-Tees derby. Cattermole spent another two seasons at Riverside, amassing 69 league appearances before making a move to Wigan Athletic, where he was welcomed by Steve Bruce.

After just one season at JJB Stadium and some impressive performances for the Under 21 side, Cattermole became one of the most sought-after players in the Premiership. People at Wigan did everything they can to keep him at the club but they finally gave in when Steve Bruce again came calling, this time from Sunderland. Even though the biggest English clubs also wanted Cattermole, the 21-year-old player made a wise choice and opted for Sunderland, where he will be able to further develop his talent.

It is really remarkable how Cattermole’s career flourished as he seems to have chosen just the right time to leave Middlesbrough and recently Wigan, and just the right new surroundings. I am pretty sure he would have wasted his enormous talent if he had chosen to warm the bench at Manchester United or Chelsea, but it is these smart choices that differentiate a great player from an average one.

Cattermole is now one of the best holding midfielders in the Premiership and it will not be long before he is snatched by one of the Big 4 teams, but by then he will become England international and will immediately command a starting place. He has a whole year to make Capello invite him in his World Cup squad and knowing Cattermole, he might just do it. This is one smart boy with a tremendous amount of talent and I can really see him becoming one of the best holding midfielders in the world in few years’ time.

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