Former Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe has showered praise on current Black Cats forward Wilson Isidor, commending the Frenchman for his stellar performances on the pitch. Isidor has been in fine form, netting three goals in the Premier League for Regis Le Bris’ side this season. Notably, he made history by becoming the first player in the Premier League era to score in his first three consecutive home matches for a newly promoted team.
In an interview with Sunderland’s in-house media team, Defoe hailed Isidor’s accomplishments, stating, “No one’s ever done that for a newly-promoted side. He’s absolutely flying. When you get promoted, having someone at the top end of the pitch who can make the difference and score goals is huge. And he’s carrying on the legacy of the number 18. That shirt has always felt lucky at Sunderland, and I’m delighted to see him doing it justice.”
Additionally, Defoe shared insights into a conversation he had with Granit Xhaka before the midfielder’s move to Sunderland during the summer transfer window. Xhaka sought advice from Defoe about the club, to which Defoe responded positively, highlighting the special attributes of Sunderland encompassing the club, fans, and city. He praised Xhaka not only for his on-field contributions but also for his impact in the dressing room, labeling him as a significant signing for the team.
Reflecting on Sunderland’s impressive start to the campaign, Defoe acknowledged the club’s journey from tough times to returning to the Premier League. He expressed his admiration for the club’s resurgence and wellbeing, emphasizing the unique experience of playing for Sunderland in the top-flight league. Defoe reminisced about his own time at the club, lauding the atmosphere, fan base, and the potential he saw in Sunderland as a “sleeping giant.” He applauded the current squad for their remarkable start to the season, underlining Isidor’s pivotal role and attributing their success to the team’s collective efforts.
