Robin Roefs developments away from Sunderland demonstrate issue with international breaks

Robin Roefs has been hitting the headlines constantly since joining Sunderland in the summer.

Very few, if any, supporters are particularly fond of international breaks, especially when Sunderland have such a good start to the season.

The current break marks the second of the season already, with a third approaching in November.

Sunderland have several players representing their country in October, but the latest developments surrounding Roefs are something that will have Regis Le Bris frustrated.

Robin Roefs playing for Sunderland
Credit: Imago

Netherlands name Robin Roefs on the bench, again

Roefs has been immense for Sunderland this season, and had it not been for his heroics seven games into the campaign, the Black Cats would not be where they are.

The Dutchman has come up with some incredible saves, with his cross-claiming abilities only adding to the influence he has had in the Premier League.

That form earned him a call-up to the Netherlands squad for the last two international breaks, but despite that, he has yet to make a senior appearance for his country.

Given the fact that he is a keeper, it perhaps equates less to his situation, but the international breaks often take players away from their clubs and prevent progress from being made.

Regis Le Bris watches his Sunderland side in action
Credit: Imago

Sunderland are in the midst of a relegation battle this season, and these breaks do nothing but disrupt the flow and planning for games to come.

Roefs will not be the only one who has jetted across the world to represent his country, all to come away at the end of it with zero minutes played.

Which Sunderland players have been in action?

As of now, only two Sunderland players have actually featured for their country over the October break.

That being Reinildo and Bertrand Traore

Reinildo’s suspension for Sunderland means that the break is actually beneficial for him to keep up to speed, and he scored in Mozambique’s 2-1 defeat to Guinea.

Traore, who made his full Black Cats debut against Man United, registered an assist in Burkina Faso’s 1-0 win over Sierra Leone on Wednesday.

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