Regis Le Bris may hold the key to revitalizing this Sunderland player after a disappointing showing in the 2023/24 season.
Sunderland has kicked off their summer transfer window with the signing of Alan Browne on a free transfer, following earlier acquisition Simon Moore. Browne’s arrival has generated excitement among Sunderland fans, with Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman praised for attracting him and adding crucial Championship experience to the youthful Black Cats squad.
While names like Oliver Norwood are linked, Sunderland boasts established Championship players like Dan Neil, with 149 appearances for the club and 87 in the Championship, and Patrick Roberts, aged 27, with 125 Championship appearances and 281 in his career. Despite this, Roberts was arguably Sunderland’s most disappointing player in the last season.
Patrick Roberts with Sunderland in 2023/24
Patrick Roberts, previously lauded as a ‘unique talent’ by Tony Mowbray, faced criticism for lackluster performances in the recent Championship season. Despite starting as a promising talent, Roberts failed to score in 32 Championship matches, managing just two assists. He was predominantly used as a substitute, with starting opportunities diminishing as the season progressed.
This downturn came after a standout 2022/23 season where Roberts impressed with five goals and seven assists in 44 Championship appearances. His performances had attracted interest from clubs like Southampton around the same period last year.
Why Regis Le Bris arrival could be perfect cure for Patrick Roberts Sunderland frustrations
Sunderland faced a critical need for someone like Patrick Roberts to step up last season, given his experience and ability to provide a crucial spark in the final third, which the team often lacked. However, Roberts struggled to deliver consistently.
The arrival of Regis Le Bris could potentially reignite Roberts’ form, particularly as Le Bris tends to favor a 3-4-2-1 formation similar to his approach at Lorient. Le Bris emphasizes wingers who cut inside to create opportunities or take shots themselves, a style that could suit Roberts well.
Roberts has shown his quality as a Championship winger in the past, adept at scoring and creating goals when cutting inside and attacking the edge of the opponent’s penalty area. If Le Bris can harness Roberts’ abilities effectively, it could feel like a significant new addition for Sunderland, especially if they face potential departures of players like Jack Clarke or Jobe Bellingham this summer.