Sunderland has impressed the Championship with their dynamic, attacking football this season, and their wingers have been pivotal to Regis Le Bris’s strategy.
The Black Cats have emerged as a surprise contender early in the 2024/25 campaign, currently sitting in the top two after six matches.
Much of the praise has gone to players like Chris Rigg, Jobe Bellingham, and the unexpectedly strong Eliezer Mayenda. However, Patrick Roberts’s performances on the right wing have been crucial to Sunderland’s promotion aspirations.
Since joining from Manchester City in January 2022, the 27-year-old has thrived in a permanent role in the north-east, becoming one of the most potent wingers in the league.
Le Bris will be hoping Roberts remains injury-free. If he continues his current form, it will greatly benefit Sunderland, but concerns about his fitness linger.
Last season, Roberts struggled with injuries, contributing to Sunderland’s disappointing 16th-place finish. This year, however, he has started strong, already notching one goal and two assists in just six matches, surpassing his previous season’s totals.
Despite his promising start, doubts remain about his durability. He missed four matches early in 2024 due to a calf issue, followed by another six games shortly after returning because of a thigh injury.
Roberts was on the bench against Cardiff City but didn’t play until the match against Blackburn Rovers at the Stadium of Light.
If Le Bris can keep him healthy, Sunderland will be well-positioned for a promotion push. Conversely, any injury setbacks could pose challenges for the French manager.
At 27, many had expected Roberts to be at his peak by now, especially after a strong youth career. He transferred from Fulham to Manchester City in July 2015 for £11 million, but his journey led to a series of loan spells.
He made just three appearances for City before securing a permanent move to Sunderland nearly three years ago.
Now, he is finally demonstrating why City signed him nine years ago. In his first full season, he scored five goals and provided seven assists, helping Sunderland reach the play-offs in their return to the Championship.
Despite last season’s injury troubles, he has shown at the start of 2024/25 that he can lead his team back to the Premier League and become a key player for Sunderland in the years to come. His fitness will be the only factor that could hold him and the club back.
