Sunderland star avoids stinging criticism as Netherlands World Cup squad options blasted
Goalkeeper Robin Roefs is one of three Sunderland players in the Netherlands World Cup finals squad.
Robin Roefs’ status within the Netherlands’ World Cup squad has been discussed as the Sunderland star looks to earn his second senior cap at the tournament.
The 23-year-old joined the Black Cats in a reported £9million deal last summer and went on to enjoy a remarkable first season on Wearside as he played a key role in helping Regis Le Bris’ squad secure a seventh placed finish in the Premier League and a spot in next season’s Europa League. Roefs gained a number of plaudits throughout the season as he kept ten clean sheets in 35 league appearances and established himself as one of the most consistent keepers in English football’s top flight.
Roefs’ form did not go unnoticed at international level and he has become a regular part of Ronald Koeman’s senior squad over the last year as the Dutch secured their place at the World Cup finals. After remaining on the bench for six consecutive qualifying fixtures, Roefs finally earned his first senior cap in a pre-finals friendly defeat against Algeria earlier this month - but was back amongst the substitutes for his side’s 2-2 draw against Japan in their opening group stage game.
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Brighton and Hove Albion’s Bart Verbruggen was handed a start during the game - but his nervy display has attracted criticism from one member of the Dutch media. The same journalist admitted he didn’t rate former Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken and tipped Roefs to become ‘the best’, despite conceding the Sunderland star still has to gain experience at the top level.
Dutch news outlet Vandaag Inside have quoted journalist Johan Derksen as he delivered a withering assessment of the Netherlands’ goalkeeping options for the tournament - although Black Cats star Roefs appeared to avoid his wrath. He said: “I find it quite pathetic. We brought three goalkeepers and not one of those three is a real international. That Roefs has talent, he will become the best, but he still needs to gain experience. This green bean [Verbruggen] doesn’t convince me, and I don’t think much of that Flekken.”
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