There are moments when the answer to a lingering problem doesn’t lie in the transfer market — even if, in an ideal world, that’s precisely where Sunderland would be looking.
The reality is that finances
and resources often impose limitations — particularly in the January window — where shrewd signings become not only difficult but more often than not, unrealistic.
Sometimes the solution is already present, waiting patiently on the fringes and developing quietly, and for Sunderland Women, that moment may well be approaching for two of the club’s brightest young prospects: Emily Cassap and Libbi McInnes.
The question of whether now is the right time to see more of them isn’t a simple one; instead, it requires an honest assessment of the team’s current needs, the balance between risk and reward and the responsibility the club has always taken seriously when it comes to managing the development of young players.
Yet it also demands recognition of the undeniable talent both Cassap and McInnes possess — talent that could, if nurtured and utilised correctly, offer Sunderland a fresh dimension at a crucial stage of the season.
This isn’t a call for reckless experimentation nor a suggestion that youth alone is the answer to every tactical issue
Instead, it’s an exploration of whether the qualities these two players bring — qualities that are increasingly difficult to ignore — might be what the team needs to regain composure in midfield, inject creativity into the attack and rediscover the spark that’s flickered in and out of matches in recent weeks.
To understand the case for their inclusion, one must first understand the players themselves.
Cassap’s game is built on intelligence, technical assurance and a natural sense of rhythm in possession.
She isn’t the type of midfielder who overwhelms opponents with physicality or dominates through sheer force of personality. Instead, her influence is quieter, more subtle and arguably more valuable in a side that’s at times struggled to maintain control in the middle of the pitch.
Cassap’s passing range isn’t extravagant, but it is purposeful. She plays with a clarity that belies her age, choosing the right option more often than not and rarely appearing flustered even when pressed aggressively.
Her composure on the ball is one of her most striking attributes.
Many young midfielders when introduced to senior football can appear hurried and as though the game is happening half a second faster than they’re prepared for — yet Cassap seems to operate at her own tempo.
She receives the ball with an open body shape, scans early and makes decisions that help her team progress rather than simply survive. This is a quality Sunderland have occasionally lacked in matches where the midfield has become frantic, disjointed or overly cautious. Cassap’s ability to settle possession, knit phases together and to move the ball with intention could provide the calmness the team has been missing.
Cassap is also a deceptively strong dribbler — not in the sense of being able to weave past multiple defenders with flamboyant footwork, but in her ability to glide past the first line of pressure with a subtle shift of weight or a quick change of direction.
This small but significant skill can break open compact midfields and create pockets of space for more advanced players to exploit. It also adds a dimension Sunderland haven’t always had at their disposal, particularly when opponents sit deep and challenge the team to find creative solutions.
McInnes, meanwhile, offers a different but equally compelling set of qualities.
Whereas Cassap brings composure and control, McInnes brings dynamism, directness and natural attacking instincts. She thrives when given licence to drive forward, to take on defenders, and to inject urgency into the final third, and her dribbling ability is one of her standout traits as she carries the ball with confidence, using close control and quick acceleration to unbalance opponents.
In matches where Sunderland have struggled to break lines or create sustained pressure, McInnes’s willingness to commit defenders could be invaluable — and her vision is another asset that deserves recognition.
Young attacking players are often associated with rawness and a tendency to put their head down and run, but McInnes shows a maturity in her decision‑making that suggests she sees the broader picture of the game.
She spots runs early, plays incisive passes and has the awareness to combine effectively in tight spaces. This blend of creativity and directness is rare in players of her age and could offer Sunderland a new route to goal — particularly in matches where the attack has felt predictable or overly reliant on established patterns of play.
What unites Cassap and McInnes isn’t simply their talent but their hunger.
Both players appear desperate for meaningful minutes, train with intensity and have shown in their cameos that they’re eager to make an impact.
This kind of energy can be infectious and within a squad where competition for places is essential to maintaining standards, the presence of young players pushing hard for opportunities can elevate the entire group. It reminds everyone that no position is guaranteed, that performance matters and that the future of the club isn’t something to be postponed indefinitely.
However, it would be irresponsible to ignore the other side of the argument, as Sunderland have always been a club that handles youth development with care.
The pathway from academy to first team is well‑established but it’s also carefully managed. Throwing young players into high‑pressure situations without the right support can hinder their progress rather than accelerate it, therefore the coaching staff must consider not only what Cassap and McInnes can offer now, but how their involvement fits into their long‑term development.
There’s also the question of balance.
Introducing young players into a starting eleven isn’t simply a matter of swapping one name for another — it affects the team’s structure, its chemistry and its ability to manage the emotional demands of competitive football.
Young players can bring unpredictability — sometimes in the best possible way and sometimes in ways that require patience and resilience from the team around them. The coaching staff must weigh the potential benefits against the risks, ensuring that any changes are made with intention rather than desperation.
However, the argument in favour of giving Cassap and McInnes more opportunities becomes stronger when viewed through the lens of the team’s recent performances.
Sunderland have shown flashes of brilliance this season, but they’ve also experienced periods during which the midfield has lacked composure and the attack has struggled to find fluency. Matches have slipped away — not because of a lack of effort, but because the team has been unable to maintain control or create enough sustained pressure in key moments, and these are the areas where Cassap and McInnes could make a difference.
Cassap’s ability to slow the game down, recycle possession intelligently and provide a stable platform for the team to build from could help Sunderland regain control in matches where momentum has shifted too easily. Her presence could allow more advanced players to operate with greater freedom, knowing that the midfield has a player capable of dictating tempo and maintaining structure.
McInnes, on the other hand, could offer the spark that’s occasionally been missing in the final third.
Her directness, willingness to take risks and ability to create something out of nothing could help Sunderland break down stubborn defences. She’s the type of player who can change the rhythm of a match with a single run; who can force opponents onto the back foot and can create space for teammates simply by being a constant threat.
There’s also a psychological dimension to consider.
Introducing young players can lift a squad, energise supporters and create a sense of momentum. It signals belief in the club’s future, confidence in its development pathway and a willingness to embrace new ideas. For a team that prides itself on its identity and a connection with the community, this can send a powerful message.
Of course, none of this guarantees success as football is unpredictable, and young players are not immune to inconsistency.
There’ll be moments where Cassap misplaces a pass or McInnes chooses the wrong option, and there’ll also be matches where their inexperience shows, but this is part of the process. Sunderland have always been a club that understands the value of patience when it comes to nurturing talent, and the key is to integrate them thoughtfully.
This doesn’t necessarily mean starting them every week and nor does it mean shielding them excessively. Instead, it means giving them meaningful minutes, trusting them in situations where their strengths can shine, and allowing them to grow through experience. It means recognising that their development is not separate from the team’s progress, but intertwined with it.
The timing feels right.
The team needs fresh ideas, fresh energy, and fresh perspectives. Cassap and McInnes offer all of these things — not as “saviours” but as contributors who can help the team evolve. Their talent is undeniable, their potential unmistakable and their readiness increasingly difficult to overlook.
If Sunderland are to address their issues in midfield composure and attacking creativity, the solution may not require drastic change.
Instead, it may simply require more trust in the players who’ve been preparing for this moment; who’ve shown in training and in brief appearances that they’re capable of stepping up and who embody the club’s commitment to developing their own.
In the end, the question isn’t whether Cassap and McInnes are the finished article.
They’re not — and they’re not expected to be. The question is whether they can offer something the team currently lacks. The evidence suggests they can. Their inclusion may feel like a risk, but it’s a calculated one: grounded in their abilities, their attitude, and the needs of the team.
Perhaps now is the time to embrace that risk and to give them the platform they’ve earned. Sunderland Women have always been at their best when they combine experience with youthful ambition; when they trust their identity and when they’re brave enough to try something different.
Cassap and McInnes represent that bravery. They represent the future and increasingly, they look ready to be part of the present.
