In a time not too long ago, we saw probably one of the best attacking partnerships in Sunderland’s history: Patrick Roberts and Amad Diallo. What we got to witness for the 22/23 season on that right wing was by far some of the best attacking football I’ve seen us play, ever. It was stuff I’ll tell my kids and grandkids about, honestly.
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Around halfway through the second half yesterday we saw a glimpse of what could be as Roberts popped up on the left wing in support of Mundle. They bounced the ball off each other with one touch passing and the latter found himself inside the box with a shooting opportunity that was well blocked. After the troubles of last season in not replacing Amad and attempting to play Ba where our Ivorian Prince once stood, we saw a very isolated and often stuck Paddy Roberts alone on the right wing. I have been saying since early on last season that the way to get the best out of our ‘Mini Messi’ is to have someone within 5 yards of him who he can play little intricate passes with.
When Roberts is on his game, at this level there aren’t many better with the ball at their feet. He has people on the edge of their seats in anticipation of something brilliant, but is often let down with the end result. Yesterday was definitely one of his best games for the season and ultimately got the assist that lead to the winning goal. But could he be better suited to a slightly more central position as a number 10? Are we missing a trick by not playing in a 4-2-3-1 formation and having Watson out on the right wing?
If altering the formation is the way for Roberts to roam free across the pitch then I am all for it. We seldom see our wingbacks get beyond our wingers as they’re already stood on the touchline to receive passes. Putting a clever attack minded player within 5-10 yards of Mundle and/or Watson to play balls in-behind or round corners would likely get our wingers running onto the ball driving towards goal results in more opportunities. It will also drag our opposition out of position and create more space.
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Roberts by himself does occupy a minimum of two players at any one time, but pair him with a threatening winger and you’ve got nearly a third of the oppositions outfield players all hoping they don’t get made to look silly by having the ball popped through their legs then turning around to see Mundle or Watson racing away towards goal with a hopeful Isidor or Mayenda lurking.
As Regis often says, it could be a ‘solution’ to unlocking defenses.
HAWAY THE LADS!