ROEFS: FAN VIEW

Following our recent signing of Robin Roefs we spoke with Chiron Rengers from NEC fansite ForzaNEC. Chiron has covered NEC for 20 years and has provided us with an honest review of the 22 year old, having watched him week in week out.

Are you disappointed to see Roefs leave the club?

In the winter of 2020 I had the privilege to see Robin Roefs join our first team squad for the first time. Traditionally Dutch clubs go abroad in the winter to prepare for the second half of the season. It was remarkable that they picked Roefs over the keepers of the reserves or the u19s. At that training camp I found out that he was not a re-gen from Football Manager but an existing player of our youth team. (See: https://www.forzanec.nl/nieuws/roefs-toont-klasse-in-spanje-maar-er-kan-nog-heel-veel-beter/) Of course I am disappointed to see a player leave after only one season as our first choice goalkeeper. However, NEC can be very proud that he is able to make such a great step at this age already and I think everyone at the club is really proud of Robin.

What do you think of the rumoured fee of £9m, rising to £11.5m? Happy with it or have Sunderland got a bargain?

We are absolutely thrilled with that fee. Just before the European Championships u21 Ajax was rumored to be interested, but the asking price of 6 million was then deemed too high. Things rapidly changed after that. Obviously it helped a lot that he made his mark at that tournament, but many clubs showed their interest afterwards (West Ham, Napoli, Lille). I think the increased interest of other European sides, especially the English ones, gave NEC a great edge in the negotiations. It is, however, important to emphasize that the speculated fees are half of our annual budget. Furthermore, our previous incoming record transfer fee amounts ‘only’ an approximate of £4.5m when Magnus Mattsson joined Danish side FC Kopenhagen.

Were you surprised to see such a highly rated talent come to a newly promoted side like Sunderland?

Just last week we were quite sure that Roefs would go to Lille. Big club in France, playing continental football and a massive stadium. That step could have been too big for him. However, he is now going to the biggest league in the world. As a person he is very balanced, especially for his age, and I think he was always willing to listen to a well-thought plan - regardless of how big the club is.

At 22 and with a lack of experience, do you think he's good enough to come straight into a Premier League starting 11?

I think playing time is crucial for him. Initially he was our stand-in for former Barcelona and Dutch national team goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen (also one of our youth products). Roefs was quoted to have learned a lot in those years, despite not playing. However, his development dramatically accelerated in the games he played - already when Cillessen was still around (Roefs played 9 games before Cillessen left). Although playing time is crucial, England obviously has the League Cup and the FA Cup to play a youngster. I am curious to see if he can already challenge your current first goalkeeper.

What are his biggest strengths?

A couple of months ago I dubbed Roefs ‘Ginger Van Der Sar’ in our podcast. He is really cool and collected and that was already the case when he was 16 years old. Opponents trying to attack or distract him, it just does not influence him at all. He is tall, but still quickly to the ground. Last season he was the best goalkeeper in the league in terms of Expected Goals on Target (he denied over 10 definite goals, making him a top 5 goalkeeper in Europe). The save on Sebastien Haller’s header in the game against Utrecht was coined ‘save of the season’ by the Dutch ESPN.

How about weak areas in his game?

His aerial reach and command of the area were impressive in The Netherlands, however the Premier League is obviously way more demanding. I think of Roefs as a very all-round goalkeeper. Last year he did not make many mistakes, but at some direct free kicks - he conceded three - his positioning was a bit off. I think that can be seen as his major weakness currently.

What's his attitude like?

As said: cool and collected, a true ice man. He comes from a very small village about 30km from Nijmegen. He is someone that likes to plan his career and discusses this with his friends and family - who are really committed and enthusiastic. He is very self-critical, knows about his strengths and weaknesses. To summarize: an intelligent kid and very self-aware; even at this age.

From what you've seen, could Robin in goal be the difference-maker in helping us achieve safety this season?

I certainly hope so! I am very curious if he is able to challenge for a regular first team spot. I have no doubt that he can develop himself even further. Please take good care of him, I am very eager to come and watch him at the Stadium of Light myself.

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