Despite dropping points against Plymouth Argyle at the weekend, one Sunderland player took an important step to regaining some momentum this season.
Sunderland will be disappointed not to beat a Plymouth side who are stuck to the bottom of the Championship table, especially given they were leading going into the final minutes of the game.
Regis Le Bris’ side came from behind thanks to goals from Trai Hume and Wilson Isidor, but were unable to hold on to all three points.
For the latter, though, it was a vital moment to get back on the scoresheet, after a weird and frustrating couple of weeks that have included a phantom goal and two penalty misses.
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Wilson Isidor is a role model for the Sunderland squad
Speaking to the Northern Echo, Le Bris was full of praise for Isidor, who has shown great character in overcoming that difficult period to get back among the goals, and insists the forward is leading by example within the Sunderland squad.
“It shows that when you are consistent, you will be involved,” Le Bris said. “It is a good example for the team. Wilson is always at 100 per cent, he wants to score but he wants to defend even when he struggles. He doesn’t search for excuses, he takes responsibility.”
Le Bris previously revealed discussions took place after Isidor’s penalty nightmare, with the squad backing the striker to put the issue behind him and continue to be a success for the Black Cats.
Isidor himself cited Le Bris as helping him develop as a player throughout this recent tricky spell, and he insisted he would take penalties in the future.
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Sunderland have to keep Wilson Isidor long-term
There has been talk that Sunderland have decided to sign Isidor permanently, and given his connection with the fans and his success on the pitch, that would appear to be a no-brainer.
Isidor’s comments after the Plymouth game, in which he insisted he wasn’t interested in his goal given it didn’t win his team the game, have further endeared him to the Sunderland faithful.
It is thought Sunderland can sign Isidor permanently for around £5m, which would be an absolute steal, and is something they must do regardless of whether they get promoted or not this year.
With Zenit St. Petersburg signing a new striker themselves recently, that surely makes it clear that Isidor’s future does not lie in Russia, and he is obviously enjoying life at the Stadium of Light. It would appear to be a match made in heaven for all parties, then.