Sunderland fans have a new cult striker in Wilson Isidor, who’s so far scored four goals in nine Championship appearances on loan from Zenit.
The loan signing of Wilson Isidor seemingly came out of nowhere during the summer, with the player’s agent later revealing that Isidor’s move to Sunderland took two days to go through.
It was a quick-fire transfer, and Isidor has made a quick-fire start to life at the Stadium of Light having scored some important and impressive goals so far.
His four Championship goals have come in his last six outings. Regis Le Bris has started the Frenchman for the last six games too, as Sunderland’s previous striker woes now seem like a bad dream.
Isidor and Aaron Connolly are two solid options, and Eliezer Mayenda trained with Sunderland this week as he seemingly steps up his return to action.
Wilson Isidor on his interactions with Sunderland fans in the streets
Sunderland fans have certainly warmed to Isidor, and many are already fearing the familiar heartbreak that fans face with loan players.
But speaking to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie after Sunderland’s 2-0 win over Oxford United last weekend, Isidor revealed that he idolises former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry.
He also revealed what the Sunderland fans have been saying to him in the street. Isidor told Downie after the Oxford win: “I’m the biggest fan of Thierry Henry so that’s why I wanted to celebrate like that.
“Is it a goal Thierry would have been proud of? I think so! The Sunderland fans come up to me in the street and say ‘you’re really good and we appreciate the way you play’.
“This gives me a lot of confidence. It’s why I’m so involved with the team and it’s why I think I’ve found my family here. I’m playing freely & with a smile – that’s what’s making the difference.”
Sunderland potentially signing Isidor permanently has been dubbed the ‘deal of the century’, with previous reported stating that Sunderland have the option to sign the 24-year-old on a permanent basis from Zenit for a fee of around £3.5million.
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Wilson Isidor praised for ‘wonderful finish’ against Oxford United
We can see a lot of similarities in terms of style between Isidor and Henry. Isidor, like Henry, has a lot of pace about his game, despite being a taller striker, and he’s so far shown an array of finishing.
His goal against Oxford United showcased his deft finishing ability and it certainly was an Henry-type finish.
After the game, Oxford United boss Des Buckingham praised Sundered striker Isidor and his goal that game.
Buckingham said: “The second one [second goal], we got caught trying to play out. And even then, you can’t take too much away from the strike.
“To get that type of finish, with the ball being played over your shoulder, it’s a wonderful finish.”
Isidor is Sunderland’s joint top-scorer in the Championship right now, tied on four goals with Romaine Mundle as the Black Cats sit five points clear at the top of the Championship table.
If Isidor’s fine form continues much longer then Sunderland may well buy him out from Zenit before the end of the campaign.