Sharp-shooter Eliezer Mayenda is making his mark at Sunderland this season, delivering standout performances and proving his quality in the Championship when given the chance. The young forward is banging in the goals and is becoming a key figure for the Black Cats.
The 19-year-old joined Sunderland from French side Sochaux in 2023 and has steadily adapted to the demands of English football Despite a challenging first season on Wearside, he has embraced the intensity of the Championship and is now reaping the rewards of his hard work.
His recent form has been particularly impressive and speaking to Spanish news outlet, AS, he said: “It’s a great feeling to be contributing. When you’re a striker, you want to help the team by scoring and creating goals. This season, I feel like I’m growing into my role, getting more chances, and making a real impact.
“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.”
Born in Zaragoza, Spain, Mayenda 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.
“I’ve had a unique journey,” he added. “I left Spain when I was very young, and at the time, I didn’t really understand why we were moving. But looking back, it was the best thing for my development, both as a person and as a footballer.”
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. It took me time to adapt, but now I feel comfortable, and I think that shows in my performances.”
However, with the next international break on the horizon, Mayenda is solely focused on continuing his progression with Sunderland, where he has thrived in a variety of attacking roles.
“I see myself as a striker, but I’m happy to play anywhere the coach needs me,” he said. “I’ve played as a winger, as a number 10, but my natural position is as a number nine. That’s where I feel I can be most effective.
“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. We have big ambitions as a team, and I want to be a big part of that.”
View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/took-time-adapt-sunderland-now-31176949
