Robin Roefs hails ‘unprecedented’ Sunderland backing and praises Geertruida and Brobbey | OneFootball

Robin Roefs has hailed Sunderland's support and highlighted the influence of Lutsharel Geertruida and Brian Brobbey as the Black Cats' strong season continues.

According to Sunderland Echo, he said the fans are outstanding wherever they play and described home games as unprecedented, the whole Stadium of Light responding to every tackle. The Dutch goalkeeper has quickly become a fans' favourite after a series of standout displays.

Roefs praised Brobbey as a focal point who holds the ball to link play, and called Geertruida a major asset both defensively and in possession. From his vantage point, both have been important to how the team functions.

During the FA Cup third round at Hill Dickinson Stadium, Brobbey replaced Eliezer Mayenda in the second half, then was taken off at half-time in extra time before Sunderland beat Everton on penalties. Régis Le Bris said the change was precautionary, citing hamstring tightness they have seen before and a wish to avoid risk.

Noah Sadiki completed the full 120 minutes after his AFCON return, while Reinildo Mandava and Bertrand Traoré were not involved. Reinildo is expected to return to contention next Saturday, but Traoré is an early doubt with the extent of his problem still unclear.

Sunderland will also be without Habib Diarra and Chemsdine Talbi against Crystal Palace, with Senegal and Morocco reaching the AFCON semi-finals. The pair are set to play either the third-place play-off next Saturday or the final next Sunday, depending on results.

Source: Sunderland Echo