The Sunderland youngster impressed for Regis Le Bris’ side in South Wales.
Sunderland faced off with Cardiff City in their opening Championship game.
It was the first time that Black Cats fans were able to witness Regis Le Bris’ tactics in full swing in a competitive match, with Sunderland coming away with a 2-0 victory.
The first goal was scored courtesy of new club captain Luke O’Nien, whilst Jack Clarke put the game to bed with a beautiful right-footed shot.
It was a very bright start for the Frenchman’s side, with many players performing top the best of their ability, in particular Alan Browne, whose experience in the centre-of-the-park made a massive difference.
Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham dropped back to his more comfortable midfield position, which saw a different Sunderland striker slot in and provide a ‘willingness’ on the front line and help the Black Cats to victory on the opening day of the campaign.
Sunderland striker Eliezer Mayenda impresses with his ‘willingness’
Sunderland attacker Eliezer Mayenda was unable to get himself on the scoresheet in the opening Championship game of the season, however he still managed to impress at the Cardiff City Stadium.
The Black Cats youngster was given praise for slotting into the side, with James Copley on X writing: “Not happening for Mayenda today but I’m hugely encouraged by his willingness to keep going.”
Per SofaScore, the striker managed three shots, with two on target, however was unable to convert. The striker was given 72 minutes of game time before being replaced by Nazariy Rusyn.
- READ MORE: Sunderland ridiculed over ‘ridiculous’ offer for transfer target, club will now keep player
Eliezer Mayenda could be crucial amid Sunderland striker uncertainty
Mayenda had impressed for Le Bris’ side during pre-season, and was given the nod ahead of fellow strikers Rusyn and Luis Hemir, the latter of which is unlikely to be involved this season.
With Sunderland still no closer in signing a striker this August, it looks like Mayenda will continue to lead the line until that time comes.
There have been many doubts over the youngster’s ability to perform at this level, however he certainly showed signs of promise for Sunderland that shows that he can be more than competent in providing a sufficient attacking threat early on in the season.
He may not have scored at the Cardiff City Stadium, however the ability he showed certainly trumped what both Hemir and Rusyn showed throughout the 2023/24 campaign.
His pre-season performances have shown that he deserves a run of first-team games, and if he can build on his performance against Cardiff City, he could become a trusty asset as part of Le Bris’ squad.