NafisaFor most Sunderland fans, the focus remains squarely on the league, where the Black Cats are firmly in the title race. Under the guidance of Regis Le Bris, the club has seen a remarkable turnaround, and the prospect of returning to the Premier League has taken precedence over any cup competition.
As such, their FA Cup exit wasn’t met with as much despair as one might expect. However, one decision from Le Bris has sparked frustration among the Sunderland faithful — his reluctance to give young prospect Trey Ogunsuyi a proper chance to shine.
Ogunsuyi’s Brief Cameo Raises Questions
Despite the FA Cup being a secondary concern, Le Bris opted for a relatively strong lineup against Stoke, including a start for the promising Harrison Jones. Yet, many fans had hoped to see more of Trey Ogunsuyi, the club’s highly-rated 19-year-old forward.
Unfortunately, they had to wait until the 111th minute of the match, deep into extra time, for Ogunsuyi to make his debut. By that point, Sunderland were pushing for a winner, but Stoke delivered the decisive blow just a minute after Ogunsuyi came on, leaving him with no real opportunity to make an impact.
For supporters eager to see what the prolific youth striker can bring to the senior team, this nine-minute cameo felt like a missed opportunity.
Rusyn’s Inclusion Over Ogunsuyi Sparks Debate
Adding to the frustration was Le Bris’ decision to bring on Nazariy Rusyn in the 75th minute. The Ukrainian forward, who appears to be on his way out of the club, was given significantly more time on the pitch than Ogunsuyi. For a manager known for promoting young talent, this choice seemed contradictory, especially in a game that could have been used to blood the next generation.
With Sunderland now focusing solely on their Championship campaign, it’s difficult to see when Ogunsuyi will get another chance to prove himself. Given the team’s push for promotion, Le Bris may be reluctant to take risks with untested players in high-stakes league matches.
A Loan Move Could Benefit Ogunsuyi
A loan move during the January window might be the best option for Ogunsuyi, particularly as Sunderland fans are calling for the addition of an experienced striker to boost their promotion bid. Regular minutes elsewhere could aid the youngster’s development and ensure he remains a key asset for the future.
That said, Le Bris’ decision to limit Ogunsuyi’s involvement against Stoke raises questions about the club’s commitment to nurturing its top talent. With Liverpool reportedly showing interest in the striker, Sunderland would be wise to make him feel valued.
While Le Bris has made few missteps during his tenure, this one will linger with fans eager to see Ogunsuyi given a proper platform. A meaningful appearance in the FA Cup would have not only showcased his abilities but also demonstrated faith in a player who could be pivotal to Sunderland’s future.
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