As the team news filtered through ahead of Sunderland’s 3-0 Championship triumph over Millwall on Saturday afternoon, those red-and-white clad supporters en route to the Stadium of Light would have been forgiven for pinching themselves and quoting Freddie Mercury; ‘Is this real life? Is this just fantasy’?
The Black Cats, back in the relative big time after four years limping around League One, suddenly find themselves in a position where they can leave ‘probably the most talented footballer’ in the Championship on the bench while still cruising to a three-goal victory over a promotion-chasing team.
The fact that Patrick Roberts, a former Man City prospect who played Champions League football with Celtic, cannot even command a starting spot under Tony Mowbray these days is testament to the expert squad building of Kristjaan Speakman and co, and the sort of strength in depth most second-tier clubs could only dream of.
“In my opinion, Patrick is probably the most talented footballer in this league,” Mowbray tells the Northern Echo. “Yet, I have to sit him down in my office and (tell him) he’s not playing.
“(Roberts may be thinking) ‘Why am I not playing if you think I’m that talented?’”
Former Celtic ace Patrick Roberts now stuck on the bench at Sunderland
The answer, as far as Mowbray is concerned, is a simple one; the fearsome form of Amad Diallo.
“This kid assists and scores goals, Pat. You scored two amazing goals away at Reading this season, and you’ve had some assists. But Diallo’s on fire at the moment,” Mowbray adds.
“And he plays in the same position as you. It’s amazing to think Patrick is sitting on the bench. Yet, Amad’s goals and assists are keeping him out at the moment.”
Diallo, who joined Man United from Atalanta in a deal that could rise to nearly £40 million, now has four goals and one assist in his last six Championship games. As such, Roberts was limited to just 16 minutes off the bench against Millwall.
Despite playing a key role in Sunderland’s return to the Championship – he was arguably the Man of the Match in May’s League One play-off final – the last few years have certainly been more famine than feast for Patrick Roberts. He scored just two league goals combined during spells at Derby County, Middlesbrough, Norwich, Troyes and Girona.
According to The Athletic, Ange Postecoglou decided against offering Roberts a return to Celtic during the summer of 2021 too. Few would dare to argue that the decision was the wrong one either. Especially as Filipe Jota, who arrived in his place, continues to run rings around Premiership defences north of the border.
Postecoglou, The Athletic adds, felt Roberts lacked the ‘single-mindedness’ to truly thrive in his Celtic system. Roberts may need to show similar attributes now as he looks to win his place back at Sunderland.
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