Anichebe’s blistering form for Black Cats no fluke

Victor Anichebe’s free transfer to Sunderland in September can be forgiven for going under the radar in a transfer window where over £1billion was spent by Premier League clubs.

However, three goals in his last two games for the Black Cats have made Anichebe an early season fans’ favourite at the Stadium of Light.

Having scored his side’s equaliser in their 2-1 victory over Bournemouth – his first top-flight start for the club – Anichebe hit two late goals against Hull City the following week.

But Anichebe’s blistering form is no fluke, according to the man who got him into shape over the summer, someone he was sure to make a special mention of following his man-of-the-match performance against the Tigers.

(Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

Nicky Holender, a former footballer, singer, model and actor turned personal trainer, spent pre-season in Los Angeles with Anichebe, fine-tuning his physique following the 28-year-old’s release from West Brom.

“Those goals, that was exactly what we worked on all summer,” said Holender.

“I had a plan where I’d put him through hell for 20 minutes. I annihilated him. Then we’d start working on finishing, one-on-ones, explosive bursts so that his body would get used to doing that when tired. Doing it 20 times over.

“When Victor gets tired and he’s carrying that weight, his body gets into a situation where it can’t cope — that’s when you break down.

“We had to get his muscles used to coping with that immense power for 90 minutes, not 75. Look at his goals against Hull. Both one-on-one with a defender in the box, one touch to get away from him and bang — goal.”

After scoring a hat trick for Holender’s semi-professional team Funkytown, who play in the LA Premier League, he knew it was time for Anichebe to head back to England.

Within two weeks of his return, he had signed for Sunderland and his former Everton boss David Moyes, and Holender is confident it was the right decision.

He said: “He had plenty of offers but I’ve always known he loves David. Victor can save Sunderland this season. Especially playing with Jermaine Defoe, there will be no stopping him.”