Playing as a goalkeeper can be one of the most challenging jobs in any sport. When you make a great save, you’re applauded, but all is forgotten after you make one costly mistake. That was the case for Jon McLaughlin on the weekend as his error led to a Gillingham equaliser on the 46th minute (Roker Report).
And usually, all is forgiven if the goalkeeper is a well-established player in the first team. But at Sunderland, the waters are a bit murkier. Jon McLaughlin has been the go-to in recent weeks while Lee Burges has been out with an injury. But with the Englishman’s imminent return, the starting place could be up for grabs (Sunderland Echo).
A bit of competition should be exactly what McLaughlin needs to shake off the mistake and what Burges needs to get back to his best self. However, the recent success of Anthony Patterson with the U23 team could add a completely different dimension to the scenario. The 19-year-old was phenomenal for the youth team on the weekend, earning a 9/10 performance from the Sunderland Echo.
Perhaps, given Patterson’s recent success, it is time for Phil Parkinson to consider giving the goalkeeper a chance at the first-team level. At 19 years of age, it would be unrealistic to expect the player to start every game, but with a few cup games before the next league fixture, it could be the perfect scenario for Parkinson to show his trust in the youth.
Patterson has been called up as an unused substitute in wake of Burges’ absence. But with Burges’ back and ready to play, he was dropped from the squad against Gillingham altogether. Cup competitions with little meaning are the perfect place to give young goalkeepers a chance to shine. Assuming Sunderland are knocked out of the cup in the next few months, there will be limited opportunities to give Patterson a chance to play. It’s not like subbing on a striker in the 89th minute.
Playing Patterson would also send a message to both Burges and McLaughlin. Should the manager give the lad a chance, it would be great for his development. Hopefully, for the young goalkeeper, Parkinson shares a similar sentiment.