Patrick Roberts scored and earned a penalty as England U18s were victorious in Russia.
Fulham youngster Patrick Roberts is one of English football’s hottest properties and is believed to have caught the interest of the Premier League’s top clubs.
The Telegraph reported on this interest back in April and performances like his against Russia yesterday will do no harm to his prospects of a big move.
Roberts is renowned for his dribbling ability and eye for goal. Operating from the right or just behind the striker, his pace and low centre of gravity combined with his excellent technical ability make him a nightmare to defend against. His end product isn’t lacking either and he has the honour of netting four goals on four separate occasions in 2014 for the England Under-19s.
His talent was on full display again yesterday as England ran out 2-0 victors away in Russia. Roberts caught the eye with a mazy run not too dissimilar to a certain Lionel Messi’s against Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final 10 days ago.
Beginning on the right wing, Roberts dipped between his two markers and skipped past another challenge in the box before being crudely taken out and awarded a penalty.
Newcastle prospect Adam Armstrong stepped up to convert the penalty but Roberts managed to get in on the act himself shortly after. In what is starting to become something of a trademark for the 18-year old, Roberts cut inside from the right before unleashing a curling left-footed strike into the far left corner.
See Patrick Roberts in action against Russia below (from 1:33):
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