AS Regis Le Bris so eloquently put it, "It's not always a question of money."
When Wilson Isidor decided it was time to leave Zenit St Petersburg this summer, he was hardly short of offers. Ultimately, though, he chose Sunderland. Already, it looks like a decision that will benefit all involved.
Isidor scored his third goal in the space of four games yesterday, with his second-half strike securing the 1-0 win at Hull City that took Sunderland back to the top of the Championship table.
The 24-year-old joined the Black Cats on loan from Zenit in August, with the Wearsiders having agreed to a clause that will enable them to buy him permanently next summer.
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Isidor had offers from other clubs in the Championship, as well as a number of other European leagues, but opted to move to the Stadium of Light, where has been reunited with Le Bris.
The pair worked together when Isidor was in the youth ranks at Rennes, and their prior relationship was a major factor in the French forward’s decision to join Sunderland.
“There is always competition for good players,” said Le Bris, who watched Isidor run from inside his own half yesterday before chipping a clinical finish over Hull goalkeeper Ivor Pandur. “Maybe we had an advantage because I knew him before.
“I was connected with his story and his environment. It’s still a question of confidence with a player, with a coach and with a club as well.
“Sunderland is a big club and, for him, it is a new step in his career. He wanted to go back into Europe, and Sunderland is very important for him, I think.
“The link between us maybe made the difference. It’s not always a question of money, it is a question of creating the right environment to learn. I think Wilson is like that. He wants to learn and improve, and give his best for the team. He felt that feeling during our conversations.”
Isidor was initially signed as a left-side attacker, but he was pressed into action as a central striker after Eliezer Mayenda suffered an injury.
He has been a huge success in the role, to the extent that he is likely to retain his place in the starting side even if Mayenda is able to return for this week’s matches against Sheffield United and Oxford.
“The journey a player goes on can be very unpredictable, but when he signed, I knew he was versatile,” said Le Bris. “I knew he could play as a left winger, a right winger or as a striker.
“I always knew playing as a striker was a possibility for him. He has that quality to eat the space. He can run, run and run. Then, at the end, he kept his concentration to deal with the goalkeeper and produce the finish. It was a brilliant goal.
“I’m pleased with how he has started. He has lots of qualities, and has shown he can play at this level. He also has many elements to develop, and when you have qualities and a willingness to improve, and you know you can improve many elements in your game, that is good for the future.”
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