If Sunderland experience an Ellis Simms 2.0 situation it won't be as bad: View | OneFootball

Sunderland striker Mason Burstow has struggled for minutes in recent weeks and could potentially be recalled by parent club Chelsea next month.

The 20-year-old hasn't quite been able to make the impact he'd have desired at the Stadium of Light, and is yet to find the back of the net for the Black Cats.

The Black Cats saw Ellis Simms recalled by Everton this time last season. Whilst Simms' departure from the Black Cats was a big blow, it's unlikely that any potential departure for Burstow would have quite the same impact.

Mason Burstow's time at Sunderland

The 20-year-old striker joined on a season-long loan from the Blues, which seemed like a good bit of business after the youngster's time at Charlton Athletic.

Burstow was so highly rated by Mauricio Pochettino's side, that he actually made three appearances for the first team at the beginning of the season, starting against AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup, and making two substitute appearances in the league, against West Ham and Luton Town.

A loan move to the Stadium of Light was seen as an ideal move as the club have developed a reputation for developing young players, like the aforementioned Simms, and would provide the striker with the opportunity to play Championship football for a club competing for a play-off place.

However, it hasn't quite transpired that way, with Burstow and the rest of his loan team's strikers having a torrid time in front of goal.

In recent weeks, the Chelsea loanee hasn't even been called upon from the bench and has made just one league start since the middle of October.

Having already played for both the Blues and the Black Cats this season, Burstow would be unable to play for another club, which means if his parent side recalled him, he'd probably spend his time playing for the club's U21 side.

It's a difficult dilemma for both the player and the clubs, and it remains to be seen if he'll be recalled in January.

Ellis Simms comparisons

Simms joined on a season-long loan deal for the 2022/23 season and impressed for the Black Cats. The then-21-year-old scored seven times in 17 Championship appearances before being recalled by the Toffees.

This came as a big blow for the Black Cats, with Simms featuring semi-regularly from the bench for Sean Dyche's side as they battled relegation from the Premier League.

If Burstow was to be recalled, it wouldn't be anywhere near as bad as when Simms was recalled last season.

Pochettino's side may be tempted to leave Burstow at the Stadium of Light. It may be more beneficial for the player to play a bit-part role in a side playing Championship football than it would to play for the Premier League giant's U21 side.

With Michael Beale now in charge, he may decide that he likes Burstow and could be willing to give him more opportunities. The striker should see this as a fresh start at the Stadium of Light and needs to take his chance with both hands to ensure he plays a pivotal role in the side going forward.