Versatile Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham was the standout signing of the Black Cats 2023/24 campaign.
The 18-year old clocked up 3,755 minutes across 47 games in all competitions last season, missing jut one Championship game, scoring seven goals and notching one assist in that time.
Despite a decent first season on the banks of the River Wear, Sunderland's campaign went from play-off contenders to finishing just six points above the relegation zone and Jobe is under no illusions they need to put things right next season.
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"It's been a big learning experience," Jobe told Sunderland AFC. "There's been a lot of ups and downs as there is in any season but I think for my first season, there's been so much that will stand me in good stead going in to future seasons. I've obviously had the privilege of playing for a huge club, huge fans which brings its own pressures and you have to learn to adapt to that as well.
"I feel like I've learnt loads. I feel like I've grown and got even better as a player and as a person. So many people told me, coming up here, what to expect. But you never really understand until you come here. I was kind of wide eyed and though this was amazing, about various things; the supporters, the players we had here and the ambition. I'd say it's lived up to all of that.
"It probably lived up to that in the first few games if I'm honest. There's still, coming to the end of the season now, because I'm part of the club I feel more driven now. There's things that we need to put right and try and improve.
"There's been some tough things to take but I wouldn't change anything, because if you did, then you'd change the lessons. There's been more highs than lows personally, growth wise, so I wouldn't change anything."
Jobe - like many in the Sunderland squad - came under fire for some of his performances last season, unfairly at times. However, interim head coach Mike Dodds was quick to defend the talented midfielder, while setting him a target of hitting double figures for goals and assists next season.
The 2023/24 Championship campaign has just drawn to a close and Jobe admits he hasn't given next season much thought, but will set himself targets when he returns for pre-season.
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"When you're someone like I am, you want to hit the next milestone and get better and I feel desperate to improve," he added. "Sometimes it can make me a bit impatient but it's definitely important to look back and be proud of yourself. There are things I should be proud of myself for.
"At the same time, I don't want to just stand still and look in the past. I want to make sure I keep improving and getting better. At the end of the season I can look back and be proud.
"I've not really thought about anything to do with next season, which is probably the most exciting thing at the moment because they're amazing. I've not got any goals set, that'll be when we come back in the summer for pre-season. I think that's the best way to do things."
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