Former Utrecht goalkeeper Robbin Ruiter produced an excellent performance as Sunderland edged Bradford City in pre-season.
The agent of Dutch goalkeeper Robbin Ruiter said at the weekend that he hoped the 30-year-old would make a positive impression during a trial period at Sunderland. After all, it has not been the happiest few months for the shot-stopper, released by FC Utrecht at the end of the Eredivisie season after spending the last six months sidelined with a collarbone injury.
However, it is fair to say Ruiter’s agent, Dick van Burik, would have been wiping the sweat from his brow as his client pulled off a series of fantastic stops as Sunderland downed Bradford City 3-2 in a pre-season friendly at Valley Parade.
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Most of the headlines will be hogged by 18-year-old forward Josh Maja, whose well-taken first half volley took his pre-season tally to four. Jeremain Lens also impressed once again, increasing the hope that the Dutch international may be sticking around next season after a series of mooted moves fell through.
However, with Vito Mannone following fellow shot-stopper Jordan Pickford out the door this summer, completing a £2 million move to Reading on Thursday, as reported by the BBC, Ruiter’s excellent performance could hardly have been better timed.
“I think as a manager I’d rather judge (Ruiter) in training than in a game because he’s made loads of saves, which means he’s been overworked,” manager Simon Grayson told the Sunderland Echo.
“But in terms of his play, he was composed with his feet, very calm and made good saves when he had to. That’s what you want, he’s got good experience.
We’ll have a look at him, whether we sign him or keep him for a few days and play him on Wednesday and take a look, that’s a decision we’ll make. He’s done himself no harm, but you can’t be rash on a player you haven’t seen too much.”
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Available on a free, Ruiter would be something of a no-risk signing for a cash-strapped Black Cats side desperately looking for a goalkeeper.
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