Sunderland may be surprised by what’s happening at Bolton Wanderers - Steven Schumacher will love it | OneFootball

Mason Burstow's fine form at Bolton Wanderers has continued

Prior to the current campaign, Sunderland supporters became accustomed to the pool of talent currently residing in the EFL throughout an eight-year period.

The Black Cats spent four years in the Championship and an equal period of time in League One under a plethora of managers and head coaches, with the aim of eventually returning the club to its current position back in the Premier League.

As a result, it wasn't too long ago that the North East side were one of, if not, the biggest club in the third tier, with the likes of Bolton Wanderers not too far behind given their own mixed fortunes in recent times.

However, whilst the two clubs, who regularly faced off in the Premier League and the second tier between the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s, are now two divisions apart, those at the Stadium of Light are likely to be surprised by the exploits of a former loan striker who flattered to deceive during a frustrating loan stint from Chelsea two seasons ago under Tony Mowbray, Michael Beale and former interim boss, Mike Dodds.

Mason Burstow had generated plenty of hype during the infancy of his still relatively short career thus far, particularly for his exploits as a teenager with Charlton Athletic which led to an initial move across the capital to Stamford Bridge.

After scoring six times in 23 senior appearances for the Addicks, the young striker backed that up by impressing at youth level for the Blues' Under-21s side, scoring 11 times in 30 appearances.

With there being plenty of examples where a young prospect has blossomed in the EFL and subsequently gone on to make a serious impression in the Premier League and beyond, it seemed logical that, with their recent reputation, Burstow's development would only be enhanced by the second loan stint of his career and a first taste of Championship football on Wearside.

“Mason is one of the brightest young centre forwards on the cusp of the Premier League environment and he is a player that we have monitored for some time," Black Cats sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said following the completion of his loan deal.

"The moment that he became available, we did everything within our power to ensure we were his preferred destination and after fielding multiple offers from the UK and overseas, we are delighted that he has chosen Sunderland."

However, his loan move wouldn't go according to the script whatsoever, with many Mackems left to wonder what all the fuss was about in the first place.

After making his debut against Queens Park Rangers in September 2023, Burstow made just 20 league appearances and 12 starts, with his solitary goal coming in a 3-1 win against Stoke City in January 2024.

The London-born forward would, somewhat surprisingly, remain in the Championship though, with Hull City parting with £2m for his services permanently last August.

However, after failing to have the initially desired impact at the MKM Stadium, City and Sunderland supporters continue to be shocked by Burstow's remarkable form at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.

Mason Burstow is thriving under Steven Schumacher at Bolton Wanderers

Despite scoring just twice in his first season for the Tigers, there was a mixed reaction to Burstow's loan move to Greater Manchester.

However, it is clearly an agreement which benefits all parties, none more so than the striker himself, who is flourishing despite Bolton's collectively inconsistent start to the campaign.

Burstow has started all 11 of Wanderers' league encounters thus far, with his double against Peterborough United on Saturday taking him to the very top of the divisional scoring charts with seven goals, continuing an exceptional start to the third loan spell of his career.

Steven Schumacher is clearly utilising his all-round game to full effect too, as he looks to earn promotion from League One for the second time in four seasons as a head coach.

On top of his seven strikes, Burstow has provided 1.4 key passes per 90minutes as the likes of Marcus Forss and Amario Cozier-Duberry also flourish on loan from Middlesbrough and Brighton and Hove Albion respectively.

Burstow could also be far and away the division's top scorer too, having also missed three further big chances. Yet, whilst his current and former employers are now worlds apart, those of a Sunderland persuasion will be surprised by such developments.