The situations with Cats’ long-term keeper decision
For Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson it was all about the right timing.
At the start of this year, the Black Cats academy graduate was out on loan at National League side Notts County after being third choice on Wearside.
Less than five months later, Patterson has established himself as a regular starter on Wearside under Alex Neil, with the goalkeeper playing a key part in the team’s resurgence under the Scot.
As is often the case, it was the misfortune of others which presented Patterson with an opportunity, after both Thorben Hoffmann and Lee Burge tested positive for Covid-19.
ThatledtoPattersonbeing recalled, and the 21-year-old was the only senior goalkeeper available when Neil was appointed in February.
There was, therefore, an element of fortune about the keeper’s sudden progression.
Still, players who make it to the top often make their own luck, and have to be good enough to stay there.
Patterson has certainly taken his opportunity and there has been no reason for Neil to recall Hoffmann, who was absent through illness against Shrewsbury on Friday, in recent months.
That’s not to say the German’stimeonWearsideisdefinitely over, and, while there were some mistakes which
wereprobablyinevitablewith a young keeper, the Bayern Munich loanee also showed signs of promise.
Sunderland still have an option to sign Hoffmann, 23, permanently at the end of the season, and it’s an appealing thought to have two young goalkeepers battling it out for the No.1 spot next campaign.
As for Patterson – with Burge’scontractsettoendthis summer – the next few weeks will provide a further indicationifheisreadytobeSunderland’sNo.1keepernextseason,
whether that’s in League One ortheChampionship,orifthe club need to invest in a new stopper.
Patterson’s reflexes and natural abilities have been lauded by many at the club. "He is a very, very good shot stopper,"saidAlexNeilfollowing the 2-1 win at Oxford and that outstanding save to deny U’s defender Ciaron Brown.
And while one of the reasons that Hoffmann was signed last year was because of the German’s passing ability, Patterson has also shown heiscomfortablewiththeball at his feet.
One area where Patterson has looked a little vulnerable, particularly during the 3-3 draw at Wycombe in January, is when dealing with crosses.
Still, at 6 ft 2, the 21-yearold has the frame to be a commanding figure and, to his credit – with help from goalkeeping coach David Preece – Patterson has looked far more comfortable coming off his line.
Playing senior football at
Notts County will have also helped Patterson, who has a year left on his Sunderland contract with an option of a further year.
"It was massive for me,” he saidwhendiscussinghisNotts County spell.
“The step up in quality, physicality and everything at thatlevelhelpedmemassively.
“I’ve come back and I think I’vegrownandprogressedwell from my time there.”
Now Patterson has the chance to establish himself as Sunderland’s No.1.