Ahead of his years, Robin Roefs makes solid start at Sunderland: “He’s only 22 but plays like he’s 32!” | OneFootball

Ah, September. We’ve breached the early stages of the Premier League season, and have watched as the first international break has come and gone.

In the midst of this campaign’s formative events, one story that has stood out comes from Wearside, as Sunderland aim to keep turning heads in their transition back to the top tier of English football after eight seasons away.

The Black Cats have so far spent wisely, heavily reinforcing their newly-promoted side with a plethora of high-level and high-potential investments. Following his transfer from NEC Nijmegen, one in particular that has caught the eye is Dutch goalkeeper Robin Roefs.

Image via Scouted on X/Twitter

Roefs’ rise from the Eredivisie to the Premier League was recently capped by a first call-up to the Dutch national team, and although he remained on the bench against Poland and Lithuania, the keeper spoke proudly of the occasion to his former club’s media.

“It’s all happening so quickly, and maybe it hasn’t quite sunk in yet. But these are great things. I’ve had a good start at my new club. To be rewarded so quickly with a spot in the Dutch first team squad is fantastic. When you get called up like this, it does start to itch. My goal is to be there (at the 2026 World Cup).”

Well, after we provided some thoughts on Roefs’ big move last month, we decided to rekindle GBeNeFN’s partnership with Sunderland’s ‘A Love Supreme’. We checked back in with the fanzine’s co-editor, Dan McCallum, to see just how well Roefs has stepped up in his first few Mackem games.

“I’ve been really impressed with how he’s just slid into that number one spot,” Dan begins. “He’s only 22 but plays like he’s 32 due to his calm nature and composure. So far, his biggest positives have been his competence on the ball, reactions and most prominently, his ability to come and claim crosses (or punch them to safety when needed). He saved a penalty recently against Brentford too, which was a bonus!”

A defiant Sunderland have won two of their first three games, 3-0 against West Ham and 2-1 against Brentford, with the latter seeing a dramatic last-minute Wilson Isidor winner. Considering the importance of Roefs’ role, it’s fair to suggest that a solid presence between the sticks has been a big factor for the team.

“Goalkeeper is, of course, an important position. It’s so high-pressure because it only takes one mistake to concede. In any other position, you can rely on your teammates to bail you out.”

“In the past we’ve been really lucky to see some talented goalkeepers here. Simon Mignolet, Jordan Pickford and Vito Mannone, to name just a few.”

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 21: Jordan Pickford of Sunderland in action during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on May 21, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

“Anthony Patterson has been our keeper since the League One days and was named Man of the Match in the play-off final win against Sheffield United. Therefore, I was surprised to see a goalkeeper come in, but Roefs’ high level of quality means Patto needs to up his game if he wants to get back into the team after injury.”

Although three games is a short period of time to judge, it does look like Roefs has already won over plenty of fans. There’s no doubt that consistency will be key if the young Dutchman and Sunderland are to stay afloat in the Premier League. All he needs to do, it seems, is follow the blueprint so many other Sunderland favourites have done before.

“I do think Roefs is the kind of goalkeeper who instils a sense of calmness into his backline. He just does not look fazed under pressure. Especially when we’re underdogs, which is going to be most of the time. He will face a high volume of shots. I think he’ll really prove his worth as the season drags on.”

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – AUGUST 30: Granit Xhaka of Sunderland celebrates with team mate Robin Roefs after the team’s victory in the Premier League match between Sunderland and Brentford at Stadium of Light on August 30, 2025 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“I think if you play with passion and give 100% every week, you can’t go wrong at Sunderland. During the dark days of League One we had loads of players who weren’t necessarily the most talented, yet became popular because they wore their heart on their sleeve. Commitment is all we ask for as a basic requirement.”

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield