Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson has opened up on one unsung hero that has helped him strive to reach his potential.
The Black Cats are coming off the back of a top win at the Stadium of Light, which saw them beat Sheffield United 2-1.
Goalscorers Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor led Regis Le Bris’ side to the crucial victory on home turf, as well as Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, who saved Kieffer Moore’s lacklustre spot-kick in the first half.
The Black Cats shot-stopper was in fine form in the win against Chris Wilder’s side, albeit there were a few hairy moments in regards to distribution, but he has shown to be a top player this season having conceded just 20 goals in 21 games.
Following his burst of form this season, Patterson has praised one key person behind the scenes that has been instrumental in helping him reach his level.
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Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson singles out goalkeeper coach for recent success
Le Bris has several goalkeepers at his disposal on Wearside, including summer signings Simon Moore and Blondy Nna Noukeu, who are currently coached alongside Patterson by coach Alessandro Barcherini.
The Italian 39-year-old, who joined at the start of the 2022/23 Championship campaign has been praised by Patterson, per Sunderland Echo, where he said: “His sessions every day are top and then the analysis he puts in for us goalkeepers and everyone around is really good and it doesn’t go unnoticed.
“Obviously Si (Simon Moore) is really experienced. He’s helped me a lot the past six months or so and I think we’ve got a really good group with Blondy in there as well and obviously Ali. We’re all really close and we get on really well, so it’s good.”
Sunderland also have the goalkeeper option of Matty Young, who is currently thriving away from the club on loan at Salford City.
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Anthony Patterson knows what he must work on to become a complete goalkeeper
Sunderland shot-stopper Patterson has been more than solid when it comes to popping up with crucial saves and does very well to command his box. However, there is one area that he could do with significant improvement.
There is no disguising the fact that Patterson’s distribution this season has seen some slightly shaky moments, and whilst his shot-stopping does make up for it on many occasions, it is still what is preventing Sunderland’s goalkeeper from fully meeting his potential.
If Patterson can work on playing out from the back and really hone in on where he struggles, he will without a doubt become a Premier League level goalkeeper.