To say that Sunderland’s Charlie Wyke has had a difficult time since arriving on Wearside would be an understatement. Signed in 2018 from Bradford City, the big striker has suffered from injuries, lack of confidence and a struggle to find form.
However, this season, Wyke has found his shooting boots. In turn, the confidence he needs to lead the line for the Black Cats has soared. A hat-trick away at AFC Wimbledon last week and an excellent header in the win against Shrewsbury Town may have finally shown that he can shoot Sunderland to promotion.
Confidence Key for Sunderland’s Charlie Wyke
Wyke Finding Form
Charlie Wyke has admitted himself that he has endured a tough time since arriving in the northeast. Confidence is huge for footballers, especially strikers. They are paid to put the ball in the net, failure to do so not only leads to a drop in confidence but a barrage of scepticism from fans, the media and teammates alike.
Following the game at Wimbledon, Wyke said: “There’s no getting away from the fact that I’ve had a difficult time at Sunderland, and it’s nice to get all the frustration out and score some goals.
“Over the last two seasons, I probably would have missed those opportunities with a lack of confidence.
“But today they went in for me today, and like it has been all season I really enjoyed it. I’m full of confidence.”
Odds Slashed to be Top Scorer
Following his hat-trick exports against Wimbledon, the odds on Charlie Wyke ending the season as the League One top goalscorer were slashed. Before the game, the big forward was 20/1; however, afterwards, this fell dramatically to 9/1. The goal against Shrewsbury could see his price drop further.
Lee Johnson Delighted With Charlie Wyke but he Must Believe in Himself
Sunderland head coach Lee Johnson is delighted that his main striker has hit form. Following the Wimbledon game, Johnson was full of praise for the forward and following the winner against Shrewsbury, Johnson’s praise is expected to continue.
“When he gets across the near post, he bangs in goals – you saw that against Lincoln, and then again here (at Wimbledon),” he said. “He’ll be delighted and we are delighted for him, however, it is what we expect.
“He’s a striker and when we feed him, we expect him to take his chances.
“I think Charlie has to believe in himself. A lot of the problem at a club like this is external influences that penetrates the mind. We have to internalise his confidence levels and make sure that football doesn’t define him as a human.
“Sometimes the pressure of being at a big club like this can get to people. He believes in himself, but I believe he is probably better than he believes at the moment.”
Interest Will Pick Up
It is inevitable when strikers hit form, rumours of interested parties come with it. Clubs want strikers in form, especially during the January transfer window. Should Wyke continue to find the net, Lee Johnson and Sunderland could start receiving enquiries for their top scorer. Although interest is inevitable for an in-form striker, the Black Cats can ill afford to lose a striker during this window. Fans will have bad memories of leading scorer Josh Maja leaving two years ago and form suffering as a result.
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