Tougher tests to come but a promising start for debutant goalkeeper

When Thorben Hoffmann’s name was called out over the Stadium of Light tannoy before Sunderland’s meeting with Accrington Stanley, it was greeted with a cheer.

The Black Cats’ new goalkeeper has arrived with a promising reputation after coming through Bayern Munich’s academy set-up, yet, with a lack of competitive games under his belt, his exact pedigree remains unclear.

Hoffmann’s Sunderland debut was therefore watched intently as the 22-year-old was brought straight into the side for the 2-1 win, especially as academy graduate Anthony Patterson was left out of the matchday squad after two successive league starts.

And it was not just the German’s shot-stopping ability that was of interest. Hoffmann’s ability to receive possession and play out from the back were key characterics Sunderland identified when signing him, and those qualities were tested early on.

Operating in a 3-5-2 system, Stanley started with two strikers, as Colby Bishop and Dion Charles pressed high up the pitch.

The visitors’ aggressive tactics scrutinised Hoffmann’s ball skills from the off, yet he showed composure with the ball at his feet and often found either Tom Flanagan or Callum Doyle with a short pass.

In many ways, that was the first test passed for Sunderland’s stopper, yet there were also some unconvincing moments, which was probably to be expected given his lack of familiarity with the players in front of him.

While Hoffmann appeared to get a hand to Michael Nottingham’s equaliser, the blame could not really be aimed at the Sunderland man, given the Stanley centre-back was allowed space to produce a powerful header.

Yet Hoffmann’s hesitance from crosses did result in some nervy moments, particularly in the first half when a couple of free-kicks from Sean McConville were missed by the Sunderland keeper and almost resulted in a goal.

Black Cats supporters will hope the German can learn from the experience and improve in that area when he has gained a better understanding with his new team-mates.

Despite those anxious moments, Hoffmann did relieve some late pressure by claiming a couple of crosses directed close to him late on.

There will be tougher tests to come, and we will learn more about the goalkeeper’s level in the coming weeks.