Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal reaction: How far can this team go under Régis Le Bris?
Robin Roefs believes Sunderland are capable of pushing every side in the league when they hit their top level
Robin Roefs says Sunderland’s growing belief and collective standards are driving the club’s impressive Premier League start, with the 22-year-old goalkeeper insisting the Black Cats can make life difficult for “every opponent” when they hit their best level.
Speaking after the 2–2 draw with Arsenal at the Stadium of Light, Roefs again underlined the strength of the dressing room and the mentality Régis Le Bris has instilled across the squad. Asked about the level of expectation within the group, Roefs was quick to stress the collective: “No, I think we're doing it as a group. I think we play really good and we have to keep on going.”
The Dutch stopper impressed once more as Sunderland frustrated the league leaders, and he believes the performance reinforced what this young side is capable of when the intensity is right. Reflecting on holding an Arsenal team that has been sweeping past opponents domestically and in Europe, Roefs said: “Well, I think we just show every game that if we are at our best, at our top, we can make it difficult for every opponent.”
Roefs added after Sunderland’s games against Everton and Arsenal: “Like in the game against Everton, we weren't on top of our game, like the first 20, 30 minutes. So then it shows us that we're really vulnerable and just shows us we have to be at our top to beat everyone.”
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When asked whether he thought Sunderland would be this strong so quickly, he replied: “Well, you always hope so. So, yeah, I think we have some really good new players, and also the ones who are already here, make everyone feel at home. I think we have a really good group.”
Sunderland currently sit fourth in the Premier League heading into the international break and return to action in the league against Fulham at Craven Cottage on the 22nd of November before facing Bournemouth at the Stadium of Light seven days later.
Régis Le Bris’ glowing Robin Roefs verdict
When asked when he first became aware of the Dutch shot-stopper and his potential ceiling, Le Bris replied: "During the market, the recruitment market," Le Bris said. "It's an unpredictable journey. The recruitment team was aware of his position in the Netherlands but for me I discovered Robin in the summer.
"When I analysed his profile it was really clear that he was one of the best I've ever seen during this transfer window. "He is really balanced and it is not easy to find a goalkeeper with such good qualities in different areas," Le Bris continued. "For us, shot-stopping was important. For a keeper, that is non-negotiable. He is quick, very mobile when he manages crosses and he is really well connected with his backline so when there are balls in behind, he is always well aware and mobile in these situations and he is good with his feet.
"So when you add up all these different qualities and at his age, his background was not really huge because he is only 22 we took the risk. Because that is part of our identity, we are not scared by young players so for us, we are ready to support them, give them opportunities and at the minute, we are happy."
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