Kristjaan Speakman has heaped praise on Patrick Roberts after he signed a new deal with Sunderland.
Speaking to the club, Speakman claimed that the attacker would only get better now that he has put pen to paper on a new contract.
Patrick Roberts‘ future at Sunderland has never looked too assured, having initially joined on a six-month deal in January 2022.
The forward went onto agree to a further two years on Wearside, though his impressive Championship campaign last time out led to transfer interest from Southampton in the summer.
While Roberts is yet to get off the mark this season, he has been exceptional as of late and has delighted fans by agreeing fresh terms this week.
After signing a two-and-a-half year contract with the option of a further year, Speakman has praised the Sunderland man.
“Patrick has been at the heart of our progress throughout the last two seasons, and he has grown into an important member of our group. He possesses some elite qualities and at the age of 26, we firmly believe he can continue to develop, improve and evolve.
“We are really happy that he has signed a new deal and his commitment to the club not only signifies his belief in our progression, but also our constant pursuit to improve.”
Does Patrick Roberts’ lacklustre goal tally matter?
Patrick Roberts is the perfect example of how stats don’t mean everything in football.
The 26-year-old has only scored seven goals and provided nine assists in 79 games for Sunderland, yet he is easily one of our most talented players.
Roberts has made the second-most key passes per game this season (1.9) and is also behind only Jack Clarke for dribbles completed PG (2.6).
The attacker completed the most key passes against Birmingham City (4) and had the third-most touches (69).
The former Manchester City man creates so many chances for Sunderland and there is no doubt that he will start racking up the assists when the likes of Nazariy Rusyn and Mason Burstow start to find their feet.
Keeping hold of Roberts is absolutely huge and hopefully it can now persuade Clarke to do the same thing.