AFC Sunderland Make Bold Attempt to Drop Patrick Roberts from Squad in January Because of His Underperformance: A Detailed Analysis
As we approach the January transfer window, AFC Sunderland, a club with aspirations of climbing back into the Premier League, finds itself at a pivotal moment. One of their most high-profile and technically gifted players, Patrick Roberts, is at the center of a storm regarding his future at the club. The winger, who has shown glimpses of his considerable talent but has often failed to deliver consistent performances, is reportedly facing the possibility of being dropped from Sunderland’s squad in the upcoming transfer window.
Patrick Roberts’ Background: A Promising Talent
Patrick Roberts’ journey to Sunderland has been marked by a series of ups and downs, reflective of his struggles to realize his potential at the highest level. The 26-year-old Englishman arrived at the Stadium of Light in 2022 after a long stint with Manchester City, who had initially acquired him from Fulham as a promising talent back in 2015. During his time at City, Roberts found himself unable to break into the first team, leading to several loan spells at clubs such as Girona, Celtic, and Middlesbrough, where he showed flashes of brilliance.
At Celtic, Roberts enjoyed his most productive spell, winning multiple domestic titles and impressing with his flair, dribbling, and creativity. However, a permanent move away from City never materialized, and he ultimately made the switch to Sunderland in the Championship, hoping to find a place where he could revive his career and consistently showcase his ability.
The 2023/24 Season: A Roller Coaster for Roberts
The 2023/24 campaign started with optimism for Roberts and Sunderland. Under manager Tony Mowbray, the Black Cats were aiming to build on their successful 2022/23 season, where they exceeded expectations with an impressive promotion push. With Roberts in the fold, the expectation was that his creativity and technical ability would be central to Sunderland’s attacking play.
However, the reality has been far from ideal. Despite showing flashes of his potential, Roberts has been frustratingly inconsistent. While his footwork, dribbling ability, and vision remain undoubted, he has struggled to deliver decisive end product – notably in the form of assists or goals. In a league like the Championship, where competition is fierce and consistency is key, such underperformance can quickly draw criticism.
As of the mid-point of the 2023/24 season, Roberts has not been able to establish himself as a regular starter, and when he has been on the pitch, his contributions have not been enough to silence his critics. The winger has frequently been substituted early or left out of matchday squads entirely. The frustration surrounding his lack of output in terms of goals and assists has been compounded by his tendency to drift in and out of games, rarely taking control of matches in the way fans had hoped he would.
The Reasons Behind Sunderland’s Decision
While Patrick Roberts’ talent is unquestionable, there are several key reasons behind Sunderland’s decision to potentially part ways with him in January. These factors include tactical fit, the club’s ambition, and Roberts’ own form and attitude.
1. Tactical Fit and Managerial Philosophy
Tony Mowbray is a manager known for his tactical discipline and emphasis on teamwork. Sunderland’s approach under him has been more pragmatic compared to the free-flowing attacking football many had anticipated. Mowbray values wide players who are not only creative but also contribute defensively and fit into a structured, team-oriented system. Roberts, despite his undeniable technical ability, has struggled to integrate himself into this system. His tendency to drift inside and lack of defensive contribution has sometimes left Sunderland exposed.
Mowbray has often opted for wingers who are more dynamic and willing to track back and press, which has led to Roberts being sidelined in favor of players who offer more all-around consistency. Sunderland’s current formation demands wide players who can stretch opposition defenses and put in hard yards. Roberts, who has frequently been accused of not fully committing to the team’s defensive work, simply does not fit this mold.
2. Underperformance and Inconsistency
Roberts’ inconsistency has been a major factor in the club’s decision to possibly move him on in January. A player of his quality is expected to have a much more significant impact on games, especially in a division like the Championship, where individual flair can make the difference. Unfortunately, Roberts has too often failed to take the game by the scruff of the neck.
His dribbling is often dazzling, but without end product, it becomes a frustrating spectacle rather than a match-winning asset. This season, Roberts has struggled to register the sort of numbers that would justify his place in the starting XI week in and week out. For a club with aspirations of promotion to the Premier League, having a winger who is unable to contribute goals and assists on a regular basis is simply not good enough. His failure to turn good moments into decisive plays has undermined Sunderland’s attacking potential.
3. The Club’s Ambitions and Financial Constraints
Sunderland’s ultimate goal is promotion to the Premier League, and for a club that is rebuilding and recovering from years of financial and managerial instability, they need players who can deliver week in and week out. With the January transfer window approaching, Mowbray and Sunderland’s board may see Roberts as a luxury the club cannot afford. His high wages, combined with his underwhelming contributions, may make him an expensive asset to maintain.
Sunderland’s ambition is clear: they need more consistency and productivity from their wide players. With funds potentially available to strengthen in January, Sunderland may look to offload Roberts and bring in a more reliable option who can add genuine value to their promotion push.
4. Attitude and Professionalism Concerns
While Roberts has always been well-liked by teammates, there have been murmurs regarding his attitude and commitment during his time at Sunderland. These concerns, though not widely publicized, have been circulating within the club’s inner circles. Mowbray values a strong work ethic, and if there are concerns that Roberts is not putting in the effort required to fulfill his potential, it could influence the decision to move him on. In a squad that is committed to the collective cause, any perceived lack of commitment from a high-profile player can be detrimental to team morale.
What’s Next for Patrick Roberts?
With January fast approaching, the future of Patrick Roberts at Sunderland is uncertain. If Mowbray and the club’s hierarchy decide to drop him from the squad, it could signal the end of his time on Wearside. Sunderland may seek to offload Roberts permanently or even send him out on loan in order to free up space for new signings.
For Roberts, a move away from Sunderland could represent an opportunity to revive his career elsewhere. Several clubs in the Championship, or even lower-tier Premier League sides, could be interested in his services, provided they believe they can unlock the talent that has often been hidden beneath his inconsistency.
If Roberts stays at Sunderland, he will need to work hard to convince Mowbray of his worth. With competition for places intensifying, the coming months could be a make-or-break period for his career at the club.
Conclusion
The situation surrounding Patrick Roberts at Sunderland is a complex one. While his talent is clear, his underperformance and lack of consistency have raised serious questions about his future at the club. With Sunderland’s ambitions of securing promotion to the Premier League, Mowbray and his coaching staff may feel that Roberts, for all his skill, simply does not fit into the team’s evolving system. As the January transfer window approaches, it remains to be seen whether Roberts will remain part of Sunderland’s plans or whether he will be moved on in search of a fresh start. For Roberts, the coming weeks could be crucial in determining whether he can rekindle his career or become another talented player whose promise went unfulfilled.
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