Joe Upton of Liverpool and Trey Ogunsuyi of Sunderland
Trey Ogunsuyi of Sunderland (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Trey Ogunsuyi cracked his 13th goal of the season across the U18s and U21s as sporting director Kristjaan Speakman looked on.
The 17-year-old struck Sunderland U21s 3-2 defeat at home to Manchester City, turning in a quality performance.
Ogunsuyi played up front against City in the Premier League 2 clash at Eppleton and netted the Black Cats’ opening goal with a deft finish following Joe Anderson’s through ball.
At a time when the first team have fired blanks in four of their last six Championship matches, Ogunseyi caught the eye for large parts of the game with his all-round play. His awareness was in evidence too as he allowed a Tom Lavery ball to pass through his legs for Harrison Jones to blast home. The attacker also hit the post during the game.
Liverpool are said to be showing an interest in Ogunsuyi, who played a big part in Graeme Murty’s side last season and scored some vital goals as Sunderland reached the Premier League 2 play-off final against Tottenham Hotspur. Ogunsuyi netted a crucial goal in the semi-final against Reading.
The youngster signed his first professional deal earlier this year and will remain at the Academy of Light until 2026, though if his recent performances are anything to go by sporting director Speakman may be tempted to try and get a new deal for the young star over the line sooner rather than later as other clubs circle.
As for the game, despite the Lads taking the lead twice through Ogunsuyi and Jones, goals from Joshua Wilson-Esbrand, Michael Okeke and Emilio Lawrence sealed the three points for the league leaders.
The U21s return to action next Wednesday to take on Gateshead in the National League Cup.
Sunderland U21s: Chibueze, Lavery, Bell, Anderson, Jenson Jones, Lenz (Jaydon Jones 80), Middlemas, H.Jones, Ba, Tutierov (Walsh 70), Ogunsuyi
Subs not used: Cameron, Holcroft, Scott.