How does Sunderland-bound Roefs compare to other Premier League goalkeepers?
Sunderland are closing in on the signing of Dutch goalkeeper Robin Roefs.
Barring any dramatic late hitches, Roefs looks set to become Sunderland’s eighth arrival of the summer window, having already been pictured ahead of the official announcement.
The Black Cats had already lost out on several goalkeeping targets, but they appear to have addressed that concern with the signing of the 22-year-old, who should be announced imminently.
However, who is Sunderland‘s new number one, and how does he compare to other goalkeepers in the Premier League?
Roefs looks to be a bargain buy for the Black Cats
At just 22 years old, Roefs has years of development ahead of him, having already impressed in his first real campaign in senior football for Dutch outfit NEC Nijmegen.
Via FotMob, the Dutchman recorded a 72.9 per cent save percentage last season, while preventing a total of 5.2 goals in the Eredivisie.
As demonstrated above, Roefs excels at just about every aspect of the game for a goalkeeper, with his distribution a standout attribute.
The Dutchman excels at playing it out from the back, much more than some of his counterparts who will be playing against him next season.
His save percentage is only marginally bettered by Leeds United’s new goalkeeper, Lucas Perri, who also possesses a better aerial ability.
All in all, Roefs looks to be an excellent pickup by Sunderland, who are slowly building a side that can compete in the Premier League.
How will Roefs’ arrival impact Anthony Patterson?
Ultimately, it doesn’t appear as though it will, after it was reported by the Sunderland Echo (31 July) that Anthony Patterson remains committed to the Black Cats.
The Englishman looks set to stay at the Stadium of Light and fight for his place ahead of their return to the Premier League.
Sign up for the Mackem News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Sunderland AFC news sent straight to your phone.