Why Regis Le Bris thinks Sunderland substitute role is 'perfect' for Eliezer Mayenda
IN the last six games Eliezer Mayenda has started, he has scored two goals and come up with three assists - but Regis Le Bris thinks the role of impact substitute is "perfect" for the Sunderland forward as things stand.
Mayenda made an impact from the bench in the late stages of Saturday's draw against Watford, creating the chance for Wilson Isidor that should have resulted in a stoppage time winner for Sunderland.
The 19-year-old's eye-catching cameo led to fresh calls from supporters for Mayenda to be in from the off, especially at home, but Le Bris suggested Mayenda will again have to settle for a place on the bench against Luton Town at the Stadium of Light tonight.
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"I think the situation is perfect right now," said Sunderland's boss.
"Eli is still in the process of learning. Last season I don't know how many minutes he had but not many. Now he is a very important player for the team, even as a sub.
"In every team who has success you have subs who make a difference. They want to play more minutes, that's fair and it's good ambition but at the same time right now Wilson has been really good from the beginning of the season until now.
"But we also have Eli who can replace Wilson as the No.9 or play as a second striker, and we can produce a new set-up which can unbalance the other team, so it's perfect."
With success has come a fresh challenge for the Black Cats this season, opposition sides setting up to stifle and make life difficult for Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Luton are almost certain to head for Wearside tonight with the aim of frustrating the promotion-chasing hosts.
"We have new problems to solve now, it's really clear," said Le Bris.
"I think they know we are good using our wide triangles and often now they try to overload the flanks.
"It means we have to find other solutions. We need to keep our strength but at the same time introduce new layers."
