Jamie Redknapp has expressed his belief that Lee Cattermole has the ability to become a top defensive midfield player in the Premier League following his display in Sunderland's goalless draw against Chelsea.
The 26-year-old was at the heart of his side's battling performance against the Blues, as the Black Cats became the first team to stop Jose Mourinho's side from finding the net in the top flight this season.
Redknapp feels that Cattermole's style goes unappreciated in light of disciplinary problems in the past, but he is adamant that if he can put those issues behind him, he could have an excellent career ahead of him.
He told the Daily Mail: "There are a lot of snobs in football who look down their noses at players like Lee Cattermole. Against Chelsea, the Sunderland man was magnificent.
"With his black boots on and his fighting style, he's an old-school player. He scraps for every ball but his reputation precedes him. His disciplinary record is poor, but that comes from playing on the edge.
"We are not blessed with many top defensive midfielders in this country but Cattermole is more than holding his own against some of Europe's best this season. Against Chelsea he showed he can perform against the very best. Some people will never be convinced, but if he can curb that aggression then maybe even bigger things lie ahead."
Cattermole has played in all but one of Gus Poyet's side's Premier League matches this season.
Simon Sinclair
