Patterson to fight Roefs amid surprise Sunderland update
Sunderland have strengthened several key positions ahead of their highly anticipated return to the Premier League.
The midfield has been an area of sharp focus, with Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, and Granit Xhaka all arriving at the Stadium of Light.
Now, the Black Cats are working hard to add players at the back, and Robin Roefs is closing in on a move to Sunderland.
While he is reportedly being drafted in as a number one, it seems Anthony Patterson has other ideas.
Patterson pens new Sunderland deal amid Roefs arrival
Roefs was spotted in a Sunderland kit as a behind-the-scenes image emerged at the North East club.
An announcement is imminent, and the immediate question that springs to mind is, what does it mean for Patterson?
The Englishman has been the Black Cats’ undisputed number one for three and a half seasons and played a pivotal role in promotion.
His save to deny Kieffer Moore in the Championship play-off was sublime, and he has demonstrated his shot-stopping ability over the years.
| Statistics | Total |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Saves | 2 |
| Goals prevented | 0.71 |
| High claims | 1 |
| Saves from inside box | 2 |
| Accurate passes | 19/29 (66%) |
While it may seem that the gloves are being passed on to Roefs, it seems that Patterson is up for the fight.
The 25-year-old’s contract has been significantly improved following promotion, according to the Sunderland Echo (31 July).
Moreover, the publication reports that sources close to the player insist he is relishing the battle for a starting berth.
Also, they add that the Wearside club were transparent internally about their intention to bring in another high-level option.
How do Patterson and Roefs compare?
It would be hard to find a Sunderland supporter who had heard of Roefs prior to his impending move.
The 22-year-old only emerged as a consistent number one for NEC Nijmegen last season, but he possesses some promising statistics, according to FBref.
Last season, the Netherlands under-21 international bettered Patterson in almost every department.
Roefs demonstrated his aerial command with a high percentage of crosses stopped, while he edges Patterson in his save percentage.
The statistics also show that the 22-year-old is better with his feet, while Sunderland’s current number one saved more penalties and completed more launched passes.
Regis Le Bris is to have two different goalkeepers on his hands, and Patterson must step up to retain his place.
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