Sunderland Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman was able to respond to one former Black Cats man’s key concern last season.
Sunderland currently find themselves in 4th position as they enter the international break, which has arrived at a crucial time for the Black Cats.
Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris made it clear that his side looked tired following the dire 3-0 Sunderland defeat to Coventry City.
Nonetheless, the result shouldn’t take away from the brilliant 2024/25 season, which has seen Le Bris stabilise his side to what is almost guaranteed to be a playoff finish for Sunderland.
The introduction of Le Bris this season has been one of the key reasons why Sunderland have endured much more success this term, but the signing of one man has also massively helped the Black Cats, a player who has solved an issue that one Wearside legend believed that Kristjaan Speakman wouldn’t address.
Wilson Isidor signing solved major Sunderland worry that Marco Gabbiadini thought wouldn’t be addressed
Looking at the 2023/24 Sunderland squad, they had several issues in the final third, particularly due to a lack of goalscoring ability and pace, something that the Black Cats could often only look towards former star Jack Clarke to supply.
However, in this campaign, Le Bris has got Eliezer Mayenda playing at the peak of his powers, whilst the signing of Wilson Isidor has been a revelation and a brilliant piece of business by Speakman, signing initially on loan before making his move from Zenit permanent in January.
Not only has Isidor provided that goalscoring impact that Sunderland have been calling out for, but it solved one issue that former Black Cats man Marco Gabbiadini believed Speakman wouldn’t address.
In April 2024, Gabbiadini said: “We’re weak, and we’re lacking in pace which has been a problem for this club for the last three of four years, and we just don’t seem to address it.”
It is safe to say that with the Isidor signing, Speakman saw to Gabbiadini’s key concerns.
Eliezer Mayenda emergence has been crucial alongside Wilson Isidor signing
For the first time since, arguably, Ross Stewart, Sunderland have got a dependable striker in Isidor, but there is no downplaying the role that Mayenda has played this season, whether it is alongside the Frenchman, or playing up top ahead of him in the starting side.
Occasionally this season, Isidor has struggled particularly when finding the back of the net in golden opportunities. Whether this is a lack of composure or confidence, it is a blessing that Sunderland striker Mayenda has hit his stride this season, meaning that the Black Cats have two top options to lead the line.
Mayenda’s emergence this season certainly took many by surprise, and the role he has played this season cannot be disputed, especially in recent weeks, where Isidor hasn’t quite been on top form.