Source: Northern_Echo
Dutch master tips Cats ace to shine
BOLO ZENDEN has tipped team-mate Jordan Henderson for stardom, but that won't stop the Dutchman from doing his best to oust him from the Sunderland side.[LNB] Zenden is gunning for a starting berth at home to Birmingham City on Saturday and after benefiting from a full pre-season's training he's confident of giving youngsters like Henderson a run for their money.[LNB] The former Chelsea, Middlesbrough and Barcelona playmaker has been hugely impressed by the Sunderlandborn midfielder whose England Under-21 debut on Tuesday marked the latest stage in his rapid development from Academy of Light product to Premier League regular.[LNB] But, after earning another year's deal with the Wearsiders, Zenden is refusing to settle for a role on the sidelines.[LNB] During sprint tests on the training pitches the player who turns 34 on Sunday has left many of Steve Bruce's young stars trailing in his wake. The Black Cats' emerging talent could clearly learn a thing or two from the Dutch master but, Zenden insists his role at the club is more than just a mentor.[LNB] I'm here to play and not to watch and teach the kids,[LNB] said Zenden who was named in Bruce's starting XI in only one league game last season.[LNB] This year, I am obviously here from the start, which means I've done pre-season, I've done the same runs as all the 17 and 18-year-olds and I've done remarkably well.[LNB] That makes a big difference because last year I came in halfway through October, so I think the manager has a slightly different view of me than last year. Physically I feel well, I've been running with the boys. There were more behind me than ahead, so that was a good sign.[LNB] It's not where someone has told me I'll be playing from the start on Saturday, or that I'll be a sub. No one tells you anything, it's still football and you have to try your best. I've got 16 years of first-team experience but I plan on getting a lot more in. Along the way I'll teach them a few things but I want to keep playing.[LNB] Zenden expects Henderson's career to continue its upward trajectory but warned the 20- year-old that he could find this season tougher going than his breakthrough campaign.[LNB] Zenden said: The good thing about Jordan is that he's a good professional. He's always willing to do the right stuff in training, not only on the pitch but off it.[LNB] Last year was probably his first on the scene and it's been really good for him, he's done really well. But, what they always say is that it's hard to get there and then when you get there it's harder to stay there.[LNB] So for him, I think this year's going to be important because people have got to know him a bit and there are certain expectations. I'm sure with the attitude that he's got he will be able to deliver.[LNB] He's very athletic, which is a very big attribute and very important in the English game. But it's not fair to say that he's a good athlete without saying he's a good player, because what's power without control He's good on the ball, he's got some skills and he can score a goal so he's got a great future and it's up to him to deliver that.[LNB]
