Eliezer Mayenda: Sunderland have ‘the quality’ to achieve promotion
Eliezer Mayenda believes Sunderland can push for promotion this season.
The Spaniard had a tough first season as a Black Cats player, seeing limited minutes before a loan spell to Hibernian would see the striker frozen out of the squad on many occasions.
However, Mayenda has returned to Sunderland for this season and has impressed with his performances.
He now believes the Wearsiders have what it takes to retain their position at the top end of the table.
In an interview with Sunderland’s club channels, Mayenda said: “Every supporter wants to see us back in the Premier League. It won’t be easy, but this team has the quality to push for that this season and be in a strong position.
“We’ll play another 40 games so the season is long, but we have good quality in defence, midfield and attack. Patto is amazing in goal too. We need to believe in ourselves. We need to be confident in every game.
“Our ambition is to get to the Premier League, but we need to work to get there. We work very well in training every day. It’s a good start this season but we need to keep going. Everyone has the same objective and I believe in my teammates.”
Eliezer Mayenda will play a big role for Sunderland
Aside from what was a spectacular brace against Sheffield Wednesday, Mayenda’s level of performance has been very high since the arrival of Regis Le Bris, who, unlike recent managers, has persisted with his decision to utilise a striker and give them time to showcase their ability.
Mayenda has taken that opportunity and prior to an injury, was Sunderland’s number one striker.
The Spaniard’s all-round game has impressed supporters with his ability to drive his side up the pitch, beat defenders as well as his willingness to chase the ball down out of possession which has been crucial to Sunderland’s efforts that see them top the Championship table.
The arrival of Aaron Connolly will undoubtedly help his development as well, with Connolly being a highly experienced striker in English football. Not only that, but it will also reduce a lot of pressure on Mayenda who is still just 19 years old.
In other Sunderland news, Kristjaan Speakman has revealed the details around the appointment and sacking of former Sunderland head coach Michael Beale.
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