This time last season, Eliezer Mayenda was barely a consideration at Hibernian and far from Sunderland’s first-team plans.
What a difference a year can make.
After making just eight appearances for Sunderland and only two in Scotland last season, few would have predicted the teenage striker’s rise to prominence at the Stadium of Light this term.
Difficult periods often pave the way for future success, and Sunderland will be hoping that’s the case for summer signing Ahmed Abdullahi.
The 20-year-old is still waiting for his first senior appearance since arriving from Gent. He joined with an ongoing groin issue that required surgery, and although Sunderland anticipated a recovery period, they had hoped he would be fit to contribute by now.
Abdullahi missed the first half of the season but returned to action at the turn of the year, impressing with a hat-trick for the Under-21s. However, another setback has left the possibility that he may go the entire campaign without featuring for the first team.
Fortunately for Sunderland, they haven’t needed to rush him back. The strong form of Wilson Isidor and Mayenda has ensured there’s been no pressure to accelerate Abdullahi’s return.
Now, the hope is that despite not making his senior debut yet, Abdullahi will have gained valuable experience adjusting to the club, its culture, and the local environment.
“Sometimes he’s been in the physio room, sometimes on the pitch with the coaches, but he hasn’t been fully connected with the project this season,” said head coach Regis Le Bris.
“Next season will be a different story, so we’ll see.”
“I try to stay connected with injured players—not every day, but weekly I make an effort to speak with them and maintain close contact. But when you’re not part of the squad, it’s more difficult because you don’t share the same schedule or matchday experiences. It’s a bit more complicated.
“Ahmed is a great guy and remains connected to the team, but he hasn’t had the chance to establish that connection on the pitch this season.”
Both Sunderland and Abdullahi will be hoping for a fresh start next season.
