Kristjaan Speakman has been told of one thing he could do at Sunderland this summer to help out Anthony Patterson.
Anthony Patterson‘s position in between the sticks has gone relatively undisturbed since he became Sunderland’s first choice goalkeeper during the 2021-22 season.
The goalkeeper has mostly been excellent in the Championship and his brilliant form has attracted interest from Liverpool.
While he has made a number of vital saves to keep the Black Cats in games this term, he has also come under criticism for some mistakes, as well as poor distribution.
Patterson’s mistakes go pretty much unpunished though, as his back-up Nathan Bishop appears to be far from a regular spot in the team. The 24-year-old joined Sunderland from Manchester United last summer, but has made only one appearance in the Carabao Cup since.
As per Roker Report, some fans are eager to see Bishop given a chance over Patterson after another questionable goal was conceded against Southampton.
However, Sunderland Echo journalist James Copley believes the club should continue to trust Patterson, while he has offered a suggestion of what could really help him.
Writing on X, Copley said: “Not for me. Think his levels have remained good (not perfect). He’s suffering from playing in a team out of form and shipping goals. I do think he could do with an older/experienced goalkeeper within the set-up for Patto to bounce/learn off at times.”
What does Kristjaan Speakman need to do now?
Anthony Patterson has rarely had an older, more experienced goalkeeper to look up to at Sunderland.
When he forced his way into the first team set-up, he was behind Ron-Thorben Hoffman in the pecking order, who was only a year older than him and had no senior experience under his belt.
Lee Burge was on the roster at the time, but his rather unsuccessful spell on Wearside led to his permanent departure following promotion.
The Black Cats have since had Alex Bass and Nathan Bishop below Anthony Patterson – neither of whom are the figure that the 23-year-old can learn from.
Like many positions in Sunderland‘s team, the younger ones need someone to look up to and that is no different from Patterson. Even if he is a third-choice shot-stopper, he would definitely benefit from being around someone who has got significant experience in the EFL and can help guide him through the difficult times.