The young, Spanish forward cemented himself as a fan favourite last year, with his explosive ability that got us fans on the edge of our seats. He scored some brilliant goals last season that proved his established talent and high potential and I remember them well.
The first of the two he scored in the home game against Sheffield Wednesday was excellent. A thumping finish into the top corner. I really enjoyed his goal at home to Cardiff too, a calm, measured effort into the bottom left corner. His
header away at Sheffield Wednesday was a highlight as well – the inch perfect cross from Trai Hume was headed home in emphatic fashion by Mayenda but the best bit was the celebrations, right in front of the heaving away end. These were all brilliant goals that contributed to the excellent season, but his best moment was, of course, at Wembley.
I would love to reminisce more about ELizier Mayenda’s contributions to the club’s success last year, especially the equaliser at Wembley, but that isn’t the point of this article. The point is that, after last season, how and why did he fall out of favour this season?
After starting and scoring against West Ham on the opening day, I had high hopes for Mayenda in the premier league. But then, he missed that guilt edged chance away at Burnley and Isidor became first choice. Then, once Brian Brobbey got up to scratch, the powerful Dutchman became Regis’ main man up front.
This is more understandable. The club didn’t spend 20 million on a player for him not to start and equally, Brobbey didn’t come to sit on the bench. Still, I was sad to see Mayenda drop out of the starting eleven, as he is one of my favourite players and I love watching him play. However, I was more confused when RLB wasn’t even using him from the bench very often.
Anything could have been happening behind closed doors. Mayenda might have been underperforming in training, or lacking confidence. But it was still tough for the fans to see, especially as you would think his electric pace and powerful dribbling would be brilliant against tired legs.
But now, in the absences of the AFCON competing Traore and Talbi, as well as the temporarily injured Wilson Isidor, the ‘Big Man’ has seen much more game time. He started against Man City and Tottenham in the league and Everton in the cup, performing well in all 3 of those games and causing the opposition some serious problems. He came on as a sub against Leeds and Brentford too. I remember him doing well to find the feet of Brobbey before he was fouled for the penalty against Brentford, and injecting something new against Leeds.
I think Mayenda has taken his chance to impress Le Bris well, proving to be a threat at Premier League level. With Traore returning from AFCON, I had accepted that my favourite player would be condemned to the bench. But now, with Traore picking up an injury that will sideline him for at least a month, Mayenda’s minutes might continue to climb.
Personally, I think they should. Adingra and Mundle are much more competent on the left wing, Rigg has not done enough to earn a starting spot, Isidor is just back from injury and Talbi is still on international duty until Saturday. Mayenda has proved to be a threat on the right wing, but also in the right striker position, alongside Brobbey. If he plays his cards right in the next few weeks, he could give Le Bris a good problem to have in terms of selection.
I am glad to see Mayenda getting more game time now, but I don’t think he should have ever been starved for minutes. Regardless, he has got his chance now, and I hope he continues to take it.
Give me your thoughts – should Mayenda have been getting more minutes? And has he done enough to stay in the team now?
