If you’d walked around Sunderland earlier this year and asked people for their favourite ‘Robin’, your answer would’ve probably been “A weird man in green pants and a red cape”.
Now, I don’t know what colour
Robin Roefs’ pants are, but you’d be forgiven for thinking that he’d been wearing a red cape in the Premier League this season, as although he might not boast the same speed, strength and stamina as Batman’s sidekick, there’s every reason to believe Régis Le Bris has his very own superhero between the sticks.
Before we start heaping praise on our new number one, we must remember how the Black Cats reached the Premier League in the first place.
I’m sure you don’t need reminding, but let me take you back to the second minute of the Championship playoff final at Wembley. When Kieffer Moore headed that ball, I thought there was only going to be one outcome, but Anthony Patterson managed to stop time and claw the ball from behind him before it crossed the line.
After the comedown, I admit that I would’ve liked Patto to be given a shot at the top table, like so many of our playoff heroes. I know supporters were divided on him, but I thought he’d earned it after his exploits in the capital.
However, six league games later, I can’t think of many — if any — better signings than Roefs.
When we signed the 6’3 Dutchman, I can’t say I was convinced.
I’d never heard of the man and to be honest, I wondered how Sunderland’s scouting team had unearthed him. I know our recruitment has been outstanding, but under £10 million for a man in a cape? That’s just absurd.
The signs were there during pre-season that we’d acquired someone special, but then it’s pre-season and I’ve learned not to take it too seriously. However, that penalty save against Augsburg was Roefs’ hint to us all that he’s here for the big moments.
When comparing Roefs and Patterson’s statistics from last season, it’s clear that the Dutchman was signed to do what Patto can’t. The former was the king of stopping crosses and preventing goals in the Eredivisie, whilst his kicking ability was far superior to Patterson’s.
Something I’ve noticed so far this season is just how calm and measured our new number one is, and how relaxed he makes me feel on my sofa. Although my sofa is alright, it’s suffered some sketchy moments while Lee Camp and Jason Steele have been on the telly!
Indeed, Roefs’ demeanour puts his defenders at ease — and that can’t be underestimated in the Premier League. Yes, Nordi Mukiele and Omar Alderete have been superb, but they play with the confidence of knowing that they have the safest pair of hands in Sunderland behind them.
Although we’re flying, it could’ve been very different if it were not for Roefs. Kevin Schade’s penalty for Brentford was nothing short of woeful, but if our shot stopper hadn’t held his nerve, things might’ve been different.
The Dutchman’s two standout performances have come away from home against Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest. Both were games in which we were unfancied — at least by neutrals — but on both occasions, our number one stood strong and pulled off some heroic saves to lead us to all three points.
Against Aston Villa, he showed his human side. Even Matty Cash would admit that he shouldn’t have scored from that distance, but I think we can all forgive Roefs a rare fumble considering what he’s already given us in a short space of time.
Today, ask anyone in Sunderland for their favourite Robin, and they’ll say it’s the man with the green shorts and the red cape!
