Stephen Elliott: This is why ex-Bayern Munich ace Ron-Thorben Hoffmann will prove the key Sunderland signing

Out of all the new arrivals in the last couple of weeks I feel the most important one is Ron-Thorben Hoffmann.
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At 6ft 4", the Bayern Munich goalkeeper is a signing that was needed the most.

A goalkeeper is one of the most important players in a team in my opinion and I genuinely felt that since Jon McLaughlin has left the club it has been a position that nobody has really grasped as their own.

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Lee Burge has had his good moments but I still feel at times in the last campaign he made critical errors at important periods and I never felt the team had full confidence in him.

Ron-Thorben Hoffmann of FC Bayern München. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images for DFB)Ron-Thorben Hoffmann of FC Bayern München. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images for DFB)
Ron-Thorben Hoffmann of FC Bayern München. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images for DFB)

I know Anthony Patterson has come in and made a good start and he may go on and have a decent career in the future but I still think he has a lot to learn.

I believe that having somebody like Hoffman in the goal will breathe a bit more confidence into the team.

He has a huge presence and the fact he has been training and playing with some of the best players in the world at Bayern can only have enhanced his ability and belief.

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I’d suspect he will come straight into the starting line-up this week.

It seems things have fallen into place nicely with squad and hopefully Sunderland can continue on their outstanding start.

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