Former Sunderland boss Alex Neil has targeted one Black Cats man who has made a ‘big difference’ this season.
Sunderland will host Millwall on Saturday, with the Black Cats hoping to return to form after the conclusion of the international break.
The Black Cats endured a tricky run of form before the break; Sunderland’s defeat to Coventry City sticks out as a wake-up call that Regis Le Bris’ side were far from the standards of Frank Lampard’s team, and there will be hope that the Frenchman has rejuvenated his squad over the last two weeks.
Unfortunately, Sunderland have several injury issues to deal with, including full-backs Dennis Cirkin and Leo Hjelde. Thankfully, though, they have the availability of one star that Alex Neil knows can make a ‘difference’ for the Black Cats, and there is no doubt that he will get his Millwall players to target him.
Alex Neil points out Wilson Isidor as Sunderland’s ‘difference’ maker this season
Despite recent form, Sunderland have still had a brilliant season, with the Black Cats sitting 4th in the Championship table.
Much of this has come down to the star performances by several key men, and one player who has certainly stood out at times is Wilson Isidor.
The Frenchman has bagged 12 goals this Championship season, and finds himself as the joint-4th top scorer in the league.
As a result, it is no surprise to see Millwall and former Sunderland boss Alex Neil mention the French bagsman in his pre-match press conference ahead of this weekend’s tie.
Per London News, Neil said: “They have had a great season. They have added good experience in good areas of the pitch. The two centre-backs are experienced, whether it be Dan Ballard, Luke O’Nien, or Chris Mepham.
“Wilson Isidor has made a big difference in terms of giving them that goalscorer who can hit double figures in a season.
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Regis Le Bris will be left with one Wilson Isidor dilemma ahead of Saturday
There is no doubt that Isidor has been one of Sunderland’s most in-form players this season, however, it isn’t guaranteed that he will be handed a start in the clash with Millwall, with fellow striker Eliezer Mayenda also playing at the peak of his powers.
The young Spaniard hit a patch of good form prior to the international break that earned him a call-up to the Spain U21 set-up, a true reflection of the brilliant work he has put in under Le Bris.
Because of this, as well as the unlikely outcome of Le Bris utilising a two-striker formation, it could very well be the case that Sunderland’s ‘difference’ maker only makes a small cameo in the latter stages of the game.