Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has weighed up his options in the final third, with one surprise name being touted.
During the January transfer window, the Black Cats’ main aim was to bring in a left-sided attacker and a centre-forward, both of which they eventually managed to accomplish, with Enzo Le Fee and Jayden Danns filling the respective areas.
Unfortunately for Sunderland, Liverpool loanee Danns arrived on Wearside with a minor injury that has set back his potential debut date in Regis Le Bris’ side, meaning that the French boss has been unable to bolster his options in the short term after the January window, at least until the 19-year-old comes back from injury.
Wilson Isidor has shone in recent weeks for the Black Cats, whilst Eliezer Mayenda has been handed the role of coming off the bench, but Le Bris is still monitoring his options with two further names mentioned, including Ahmed Abdullahi.
However, because of Abdullahi’s struggles with injury, Le Bris has suggested that an alternative man could be in the frame for his first league game shortly with the Black Cats.
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris weighs up Ahmed Abdullahi and Trey Ogunsuyi debate
Looking towards the Sunderland youth set-up, Le Bris has many young gems waiting in the wings for an opportunity within the first team, with Abdullahi getting back to speed with the U21’s after his return from injury, whilst Trey Ogunsuyi has shown his goalscoring prowess at this level.
Amid questions over Abdullahi’s route to first-team football, the Frenchman weighed up a debate about the Nigerian and fellow striker Ogunsuyi, per Sunderland Echo, to which he said: “I don’t know exactly when Ahmed will be available because it has been a little inconsistent for him.
“He has shown good qualities on the pitch but initially, he had some discomfort around his previous injuries. Now, he is finding a good rhythm so if he can maintain this for a period, then he can be very helpful for us. He has good qualities.”
“Ahmed and Trey are probably at the same level because Ahmed has more experience but has been injured and did not train a lot of late.
“He is probably still at 70%. Trey has less experience but has trained every day. So they are probably at the same level right now and then we will see moving forward.”
Abdullahi recently notched a hat-trick in an U21 clash for Sunderland.
Recently unused Black Cats formation would give Regis Le Bris best opportunity to utilise new striker
There is no doubt that both Abdullahi and Ogunsuyi hold immense quality at such a young age, as shown by the goalscoring numbers of the respective 19 and 18-year-old pair.
However, Championship football for both would certainly be a major step up in regards to opposition quality, and the best way to help introduce them to this would be to bring one of them off the bench into a two-striker formation, ensuring that the goalscoring burden doesn’t solely sit on their shoulders.
Le Bris has opted for a one-striker formation recently, which has proven inconsistencies in regards to performance and results, and a return to a two-attacker set up against lower opposition would minimise the potential of a repeat of the Plymouth Argyle and Watford draws, whilst also handing that opportunity to either of the unseen Sunderland striker pairing of Abdullahi and Ogunsuyi.