Sunderland were active in the summer transfer market, but one of their standout signings so far has undoubtedly been Dutch goalkeeper Robin Roefs.
His arrival was met with mixed reactions, especially considering Anthony Patterson’s vital role in last season’s promotion campaign. Patterson was a key figure in Sunderland’s rise from the Championship, keeping 14 clean sheets in 42 matches and producing crucial saves in the 2-1 play-off final victory over Sheffield United. Yet, this season he has found himself on the sidelines, making just one appearance — in the EFL Cup defeat to Huddersfield Town.
That decision has been justified by Roefs’ outstanding form. The 22-year-old has kept four clean sheets, a tally bettered only by Nick Pope and David Raya, while ranking third for total saves (25) and second in save percentage (81.3%), according to FBref.
BBC Sport pundit John Bennett was full of praise for the former NEC Nijmegen shot-stopper, hailing him as one of the best signings of the Premier League season.
“I’m starting to think Robin Roefs might be one of the signings of the season,” Bennett said. “At just 22, he’s handled the pressure of the Premier League remarkably well since joining from NEC in the summer. He looks so assured and confident, as if he’s been playing in this division for years.”
Bennett noted that while Sunderland’s 2-0 win over Wolves wasn’t Roefs’ busiest outing, it was another clean sheet that reinforced his growing reputation. Opponents have failed to score in half of his Premier League matches so far — four shutouts in eight games.
“He’s already produced some incredible saves, like his diving stop to deny Bruno Fernandes against Manchester United,” Bennett added. “But what really sets him apart is his commanding presence in the box. Against Wolves, once again, he looked calm, composed, and completely in control.”
Roefs is one of 16 new arrivals at Sunderland this season, yet he already looks like a long-term fixture in the side. His reliability between the posts has been a major factor in Regis Le Bris’ side climbing to seventh in the table, just two points behind Manchester City.
Despite an underwhelming performance against Wolves, Sunderland’s ability to grind out results highlights their growing maturity. The challenges ahead, however, are significant — with tough fixtures against Chelsea, Everton, and Arsenal on the horizon.
If Roefs maintains his current form, Sunderland’s dream start to life back in the Premier League could continue far longer than expected.