Decoding the Sunderland goalkeeping dilemma.

The prospect of being the Premier League’s number one should sharpen Anthony Patterson’s focus and motivate him to continue working hard on all aspects of his game.

If Sunderland is doing something of a’reverse rebuild’ this summer, gradually sorting out the attack and midfield before focussing on the defence and custodian, perhaps we aren’t too far away from getting an answer to a question that will help determine whether we can compete reasonably well next season.

That question, of course, concerns Anthony Patterson and his ability to make the step up to the Premier League and turn his undeniable talent into game-changing ability at the highest level.

Photo by George Wood/Getty Images

Nobody can deny that he, like Luke O’Nien, Patrick Roberts, Trai Hume, and Dennis Cirkin, has earned the right to call himself a Premier League footballer, but getting there and establishing yourself is a completely different challenge.

Sunderland identified goalkeeping as an area for improvement, but were unable to sign Marcin Bulka and Djordje Petrović. Other players who have been linked include Aaron Ramsdale, Sam Johnstone, and Senne Lammens.

Clarity is necessary. One thing is certain: whoever stakes the strongest claim for the gloves heading into next season must have broad shoulders, a strong mentality, and, perhaps most importantly, the ability to handle scrutiny.

It would be wonderful to believe that Patterson could be that man, but given that things have undoubtedly accelerated this summer, there are few positions where you can look and say, “This player is absolutely secure” — and rightfully so.

As of right now, with the Lads in Portugal for the next stage of pre-season, there’s no sign that the club’s faith in Patterson is fading, which I’m glad about because, for all of his critics and detractors, he’s a talented young stopper who, with an elite standard of coaching to guide him, could certainly establish himself at the highest level.

Keeping goal in two playoff finals and producing commanding performances in both, as well as a save for the ages against Sheffield United, clearly counts for something in the eyes of the Sunderland coaching staff, and if they can coax a more commanding on-field demeanour out of Patterson while also helping to improve his distribution, why can’t he prove the doubters wrong, especially if we bring in more defensive reinforcements?

Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images

Like every other Sunderland fan, I’m well aware of Patterson’s shortcomings as a custodian, and I’m not blindly defending him in the face of reports linking us to potential replacements.

However, I believe he has the potential to improve further. The prospect of becoming Premier League number one should sharpen his concentration and motivate him to continue working hard on all aspects of his game, but he is the only one who can seize the opportunity and ensure it does not pass him by.

To be honest, the prospect of Ramsdale or Johnstone challenging for the #1 spot does not appeal to me very much.

Despite his spell as Arsenal’s number one, Ramsdale has been relegated three times and does not appear to be a significant upgrade over Patterson. Johnstone, meanwhile, has been a fringe figure at Wolves, and whether he can transition from that to the pressure of a possible relegation fight on Wearside is a toss-up at best.

Lammens appears to have a good reputation in Belgium, ranks highly on various metrics according to Roker Report’s statistical enthusiasts, and our last goalkeeping import from the Low Countries did well, but with rumours circulating that we’d face competition for his signature, it may not be the easiest deal to cut.

Regardless of who Régis Le Bris puts his trust in for the season opener against West Ham, it’s critical that they have his full support, are as sharp and game-ready as possible, and that the back four is as strong as it can be.

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