Even though they have fallen short of the automatic promotion places in the Championship ever since a crushing late loss away at Leeds United, Regis Le Bris‘ Sunderland should still be pleased they’re in the playoff positions.
Just last season, the Wearside outfit slumped to a very disappointing 16th placed finish, but now look nailed on to be competing in the lottery of the playoffs come the close of the enthralling season.
The last time Sunderland entered the playoffs, they fell at the semi final stages to Luton Town, but the exploits of loan ace Amad Diallo are still remembered to this day as a standout takeaway from that near-miss campaign.
Amad’s standout season at Sunderland
Before going on to make a name for himself at parent employers Manchester United, a far more raw Amad had to cut his teeth out on loan, with the Stadium of Light proving to be a perfect environment for the Ivorian to strut his stuff.
Indeed, from 42 total clashes, the now 22-year-old would manage to fire home 14 strikes to put his team into playoff contention, which included screamers like this one against Wigan Athletic hammering the back of the net on a regular basis.
Sunderland have since tried to tempt the flamboyant winger back to his old haunt, but the United number 16 has never returned back, with his Red Devils career taking flight this season with 12 goal contributions coming his way, before an ankle injury stopped him in his tracks.
Whilst Ruben Amorim will feel downbeat about this situation, Le Bris and Co will believe they’ve struck gold on another star back at the Stadium of Light who is as big a talent as their once beloved loanee.
Sunderland’s biggest talent since Amad
This star’s tale at the club also began on a loan deal, but unlike Amad upping and leaving, Sunderland managed to tie down this exceptional attacker to a full-time deal for just £3.3m.
That fee already looks like a bargain amount to pay when you consider Wilson Isidor has been leading the line with consistent venom ever since joining the ranks, having made Ethan Ampadu look like a fool in that recent contest at Elland Road with his unwavering strength to powerfully hand his side the lead.
This stunning opener – which ultimately proved to be a positive moment amidst a gutting loss – took Isidor’s goal haul for the season all the way up to a hefty 12, with Sky Sports journalist Dougie Critchley even going as far to label the skilful but strong striker as a “one man machine.”
Capable of scoring an audacious effort much like Amad too, everyone at Sunderland will be hoping these heroics continue as the Black Cats potentially return to the promised land off the back of his golden output.
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Isidor’s league numbers this season (24/25) |
|
|---|---|
|
Stat – per 90 mins* |
Isidor |
|
Games played |
31 |
|
Goals scored |
12 |
|
Assists |
1 |
|
Expected goals (xG) |
12.57 xG |
|
Shots* |
2.4 |
|
Big chances missed |
16 |
|
Big chances created |
7 |
|
Stats by Sofascore |
|
He will definitely be uttered in the same breath as the memorable Amad if he can help his side leap back up to the Premier League, with more perhaps coming from the Frenchman when the heat is ramped up, considering he has missed a high 16 big chances this season despite his strong goalscoring numbers.
Whatever does happen, Sunderland will just be glad they’ve won such a captivating star on the cheap, instead of just allowing the loanee to return back to their parent side.
Down the line, Isidor could be worth far more than his modest £3.3m fee, especially if he helps the long isolated Black Cats get back on the footballing map with promotion come May.
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