One Sunderland star has been handed an undeserved reputation so far in the 2024/25 Championship season.
The Black Cats have undergone a brilliant 2024/25 Championship campaign at the midway point, with Regis Le Bris’ side being very much in the promotion conversation.
It has been a difficult task for Sunderland to compete with the financially-backed sides around them, with Burnley, Sheffield United and Leeds United all receiving parachute payments, something that outlines just how brilliant the season has been so far.
Nonetheless, the French boss has had to work tirelessly to bring the very best out of his ranks, with one of which being Spanish striker Eliezer Mayenda. The 19-year-old has come on leaps and bounds since Le Bris entered his role, but he still holds an undeserved reputation that is completely dispelled by one stat.
Sunderland star Eliezer Mayenda handed unwarranted reputation for conversion as stats suggest otherwise
No Sunderland player has developed this season quite as much as Mayenda, from struggling for gametime at the back end of the 2023/24 season on loan at Hibernian, to becoming a prominent member of Le Bris’ frontline alongside Wilson Isidor.
The Black Cats ranks are fully convinced by the Spaniard, after Anthony Patterson deemed him to be ‘unbelievable’ in recent games, however, some Sunderland fans are still yet to be convinced over one thing, and that is his reliability in front of goal.
Whilst the Sunderland striker has missed some chances to wrap up wins for Le Bris’ side, per SofaScore, he has missed a total of nine big chances, which is five less than fellow attacker Isidor. His total is also level with former Black Cats target Tom Cannon, who has just sold for a whopping eight-figure fee to Sheffield United.
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Sunderland fans must remember Eliezer Mayenda age as he promises spectacular career
When Black Cats fans highlight the top prospects at the club, many eyes turn towards the likes of midfield duo Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham, but many Sunderland supporters certainly forget the fact that Mayenda is just 19-years-old.
For a consistent Championship debut season, the Spaniard has been exceptional, and the odd chance he has squandered is just part-and-parcel of a youngster still trying to find his feet at an incredibly high level.
The reputation that Mayenda has been handed over his ability in front of goal is without a doubt a myth, as scoring four and assisting five, whilst often playing out of position, is a feat that fans should give him more credit for.