It took me time to adapt to Sunderland but now the coach trusts me and I’m scoring goals

ELIEZER MAYENDA OPENS UP ON HIS JOURNEY TO BECOMING SUNDERLAND’S GOAL-SCORING HERO

Sunderland’s Eliezer Mayenda has been making waves in the Championship this season, scoring crucial goals and establishing himself as a key player for the Black Cats. The 19-year-old forward has come a long way since joining Sunderland from French side Sochaux in 2023, and he recently reflected on his unique journey to becoming a goal-scoring hero.

Mayenda’s path to success has not been straightforward. Born in Zaragoza, Spain, he moved to France at a young age and began his football journey in Paris. He developed through the youth ranks at Brétigny and later Sochaux, where he became the club’s youngest-ever first-team debutant aged 16.

Despite his ties to France, Mayenda remains deeply connected to Spain and has already represented La Roja at the U17s level under Julen Guerrero. “I feel Spanish. I was born there, and that’s where my heart is,” he said. “Playing for Spain’s U17s was a huge honour, and I’d love to get a call-up to the U21s. My parents would be so proud.”

Mayenda’s move to Sunderland in 2023 was a significant step in his career, but it took him time to adapt to the demands of English football. “When I first arrived, it was a big adjustment. The Championship is a very physical league. It took me time to adapt, but now I feel comfortable, and I think that shows in my performances,” he said.

The young forward has indeed been showing his quality in recent weeks, scoring crucial goals and helping Sunderland push up the Championship table. His recent form has been particularly impressive, and he has become a key figure for the Black Cats.

Mayenda’s success is not just down to his own hard work and determination. He has also praised the impact of Sunderland’s coaching staff, who have helped him develop his game and adapt to the demands of English football. “The team has helped me a lot. We play positive football, we like to attack, and that gives me opportunities to get into good positions. The coach trusts me, and that confidence makes a big difference,” he said.

As Sunderland continue to push for promotion to the Premier League, Mayenda will be looking to play a key role in their campaign. With his goal-scoring form and growing confidence, he will be a player to watch in the coming weeks and months.

In conclusion, Eliezer Mayenda’s journey to becoming Sunderland’s goal-scoring hero has been a unique and challenging one. From his early days in France to his move to Sunderland in 2023, Mayenda has had to adapt to new environments and challenges at every step. However, his hard work and determination have paid off, and he is now establishing himself as a key player for the Black Cats. As Sunderland continue to push for promotion to the Premier League, Mayenda will be looking to play a key role in their campaign.