An ex-England international has praised one of Sunderland’s youngsters and tipped them to have a ‘big future’ at the club.
Sunderland’s first-team squad is littered with talented young players, headlined by Premier League transfer targets Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg.
But the latest Black Cat to receive high praise is another prospect who has impressed so far in the 2024/25 season.
Even though he’s often left out of Regis Le Bris’ starting eleven, he regularly provides goals and assists at important times.
Carlton Palmer praises Sunderland forward Eliezer Mayenda
The Sunderland player in question is of course Eliezer Mayenda. He has provided six goals and five assists in 1,540 minutes of Championship football this season (the equivalent of 17.11 full matches).
Mayenda started for the first time in seven games and scored twice as the Black Cats beat Sheffield Wednesday on Friday.
It’s no surprise that fans and pundits are now taking note of his contributions, with former England midfielder Carlton Palmer the latest.
He has tremendous ability,” Palmer told Football League World. “He’s been a bit of a slow-burner and hasn’t had a lot of minutes because Wilson Isidor has been outstanding this season, but on Friday night Mayenda stepped in to do the job for Sunderland and Le Bris.
“Both of these players are showing great form. Mayenda looks like a talented, talented player. Obviously he would want more game-time and we’ll have to wait and see how he develops.”
Palmer also credited Le Bris for Mayenda’s impressive development: “Le Bris has been patient with him and it seems to be working. He has undeniable ability and seems to have maturity.
“He came in even though he had costly misses against Blackburn Rovers and Stoke, so he was under immense pressure when the manager put him in the side, and he’s delivered for him.
“He could have a big, big future at Sunderland and in the game. He looks to be a very good and grounded player.”
David Prutton expects Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor to push each other
Sky Sports’ Championship expert David Prutton also spoke highly of Mayenda and Sunderland teammate Isidor to Football League World. “Eliezer Mayenda has shown just what he’s capable of,” he said.
“So hopefully, if you’re of a Sunderland persuasion, the ability of those two players to keep pushing on, keep each other hungry to score goals, to lead the the line for Sunderland, means you’ve got a very healthy rivalry which scores the goals that either manages to help you gatecrash the top two, or stands in you good stead for what the play-offs potentially could throw your way.
The Black Cats are very much the underdogs in the race for the automatic promotion places, with Leeds United, Sheffield United and Burnley ahead of them, but it’s not over yet.
Recent defeats have let them down but wins against Cardiff City and Preston North End would apply some pressure to the teams above.