Sunderland star proves Tony Mowbray’s 2023 claims right after spearheading Championship play-off final win

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Football League veteran Tony Mowbray’s early prediction on Sunderland ace was encapsulated by his starring role in the 2024/25 play-off final.

If ever there is a Football League manager’s opinion to trust when predicting footballing talent, it’s that of former West Brom boss Tony Mowbray.

English football veteran Mowbray was the Sunderland boss for a 65-game tenure, from August 2022 until December 2023, and took the Black Cats to within one win from the Championship play-off final in 2023.

Two years on, Regis Le Bris’ Black Cats have just secured Premier League promotion at the expense of Sheffield United, going one better than his permanent predecessor Mowbray.

Only months into his Wearside reign, Mowbray made a bold prediction about one of Sunderland’s best talents, which has been proven true following the player’s remarkable rise since the boss’ call.

• READ MORE: Five Sunderland players who may have played their final game for Regis Le Bris after play-off final victory

Tony Mowbray’s 2023 Sunderland prediction for Eliezer Mayenda proven true

Eliezer Mayenda’s rise to second tier stardom has been nothing short of remarkable within the 2024/25 Championship campaign.

19-year-old Mayenda has scored ten goals and registered five assists in his first full season at Sunderland to help spearhead the Black Cats’ promotion charge.

Mayenda’s most impressive strike came with his “fantastic” solo goal against Bristol City before the play-offs campaign. However, his most important came in the season-defining clash at Wembley.

Not only did Mayenda break the deadlock in the semi-final first leg at Coventry, but he also equalised in the play-off final with an emphatic strike, to take his goal tally to double figures this term.

His rise to becoming one of the league’s best young forwards is made more impressive considering in his debut Sunderland season last term, he failed to find the net in eight appearances, following his £800k move from FC Sochaux.

However, Mowbray was well aware of the potential Mayenda possessed, which has come to fruition for Le Bris this season.

In October 2023, via Sports Illustrated, Mowbray said: “He’s training really well, he’s a lovely guy who wants to ask questions and get better – and he keeps hitting the back of the net in training.

“As coaching staff we’re looking forward to seeing him out there but what we don’t know is how quickly he’ll get up to the intensity of the Championship.

“It’s OK playing in training games, but it’s also about how you cope with me screaming at him to get back and chase the opposition full back. He has to be able to do that as well.

“But he’s very talented, and he’s got a wand of a left foot with real power in it. He’s very dynamic, quick, fast.

“There’s nothing stopping him from being a really good player, and hopefully he can put that onto the pitch at first-team level.”

Mowbray has been proven right with his bold call on Mayenda’s progression, and now the Spanish under-21 international has the chance to prove himself in the top flight, which he has every chance of doing.

• READ MORE: Three tasks at the top of Regis Le Bris’ to-do list this summer after Sunderland secure Premier League promotion

Sunderland ace Eliezer Mayenda can prove himself in Premier League

Mayenda has been labelled “Spain’s future number nine” following his breakout campaign.

Before his switch to Sunderland, the youngster’s potential was noticed by PSG, who were interested in his signature before his move to Wearside.

The French giants and Mowbray have both been proven right after Mayenda’s rise to prominence this season, which looks destined to continue next term in the top flight.

Mayenda has all the elements to be a massive handful for Premier League defences with his pace, power, and directness on the ball.

In the play-off final win against Sheffield United, Mayenda was a constant thorn in the Blades’ backline, taking the ball on the turn and bearing down towards goal with every opportunity.

If Mayenda’s development trajectory continues, Sunderland will have unearthed a future Spain first-team star and Premier League goalscorer, for a fee of just £800k.