Sunderland got the win they deserved and needed away at Derby County on Tuesday night, and one player in particular has been praised for his role in the victory.
After the goalless draw against Burnley on Friday night, Sunderland were eager to register a win and claim three points that would see them climb above the Clarets in the league table.
The Black Cats duly delivered, overcoming a resilient Derby side at Pride Park, with Regis Le Bris’ men grinding out a 1-0 win on the night despite strong pressure from the home side.
A couple of Sunderland players stood out during the game, but it is one Black Cats’ star who really got the fans buzzing thanks to his contribution to the all-important win, and they sent a very clear message to Le Bris in the process.
Eliezer Mayenda heralded as Sunderland’s ‘golden boy’, he has to stay up front now
It was Eliezer Mayenda’s first-half strike that proved to be decisive on the night, and as James Copley pointed out on Twitter/X, that takes the youngster’s attacking returns tally to nine for the season, more than anyone else in the Sunderland squad.
Among the comments on social media after the goal, plenty of Sunderland fans lavished praise on Mayenda. One described him as the Black Cats’ “golden boy”, while another said, “What a baller he’s turning into.”
Another Sunderland supporter tempered their excitement, stating Mayenda is “not the finished article, but he’s learning… he’s having a fantastic breakthrough season.”
That idea of Mayenda improving was echoed by another fan, who added: “He’s only going to get better. He’s a real talent.”
Mayenda has come through a tough period at Sunderland to explode in the New Year, prompting one fan to post: “Let the praise be as loud as the disrespect.”
A key factor in the 19-year-old’s drastic turnaround in form has been Le Bris’ decision to push him upfront alongside Wilson Isidor. After this latest performance, Le Bris was warned by one fan to “Never play this man on the wing again.” We’re sure the Frenchman wouldn’t dream of such a thing now.
Praising the business to bring Mayenda to Sunderland in the first place, Michael Graham described the Spaniard as “a canny signing for £800k”, a fee which is fast becoming an absolute bargain.
- READ MORE: Sunderland may be hunting for a striker in January, but Regis Le Bris’ real concern is now obvious
Adding a new striker to this Sunderland attack is a scary thought
Regis Le Bris stated Sunderland are looking at strikers in the transfer market this month, which makes sense given the fact Aaron Connolly departed the Stadium of Light last week.
But, with both Mayenda and Wilson Isidor in electric form right now, it’s hard to imagine any manager wanting to replace either of them.
Still, that’s the difference between good teams and great teams; with extra competition and cover, Sunderland can push on and become even more threatening in attack, and that squad depth will only help Mayenda and his teammates to improve their own game.