One Sunderland man has been hailed for his vast improvement under Regis Le Bris this season.
Sunderland beat Cardiff City this weekend, with Regis Le Bris’ side notching a 2-1 win at the Stadium of Light.
The goals came courtesy of Eliezer Mayenda, who scored in the early minutes with a brilliant finish with his left foot, bending a shot low and past Cardiff goalkeeper Ethan Horvath, whilst Chris Mepham popped up with the winner in the second half.
It was Mayenda’s third goal in two games, having shone against Sheffield Wednesday last time out, warranting a successive start against the Bluebirds.
The Spaniard was hailed by Gary Bennett after the game, whilst fans all agreed that Mayenda was brilliant for Sunderland in the well-needed 2-1 win.
The rise of the 19-year-old goalscorer, and that has been reflected recently by Michael Graham.
Sunderland journalist Michael Graham hails Eliezer Mayenda for ‘remarkable’ improvement
Following the win against Cardiff, in which Mayenda showcased his brilliant abilities in front of goal, journalist Michael Graham took to X to praise the Spaniard for his improvement this season under Le Bris, to which he said: “Seven goals and five assists now for Eliezer Mayenda from just 17 starts this season.
“Couldn’t get a game for Hibs this time last year. 19-year-old, one of the stories of a remarkable season for Sunderland.”
The Sunderland youngster last season notched just eight appearances for the Black Cats, not managing a single goal, before moving on loan to Hibernian, where he managed just four games in all competitions.
Compare that to now, and the 19-year-old has managed to edge in front of Wilson Isidor in the pecking order, the joint-third top scorer in the Championship.
Eliezer Mayenda patience under Regis Le Bris has paid off spectacularly
At times this season, Mayenda has been left on the sidelines in favour of Isidor, with the fellow striker also hitting top form in the last few months, but this unfortunately prohibited the gametime available for the Spaniard, despite shining earlier on in the campaign.
The win at Derby County for example, in which Mayenda bagged a goal away from home, saw the 19-year-old shine, but was then dropped to the bench for the next six games before the trip to Sheffield Wednesday.
Whilst Mayenda could have been chucked in to the starting side sooner, his patience has paid off, having cemented his place as a top striker at Championship level in the last two games.
It is safe to say that, unlike Isidor, if Mayenda hadn’t performed against the Owls, he could have been hooked instantly for the next game, but he has shown the levels he is capable of, something that no one could imagine this time last year.