Robin Roefs’ rise from a €10m summer signing to one of the Premier League’s standout goalkeepers has stunned analysts across Europe — and left some Dutch observers furious that the Eredivisie’s biggest clubs failed to spot his potential. Dutch pundit Johan Derksen has labelled it “incomprehensible” that Ajax, PSV and others allowed Roefs to slip through their fingers before Sunderland snapped him up.
The 22-year-old arrived quietly from NEC Nijmegen during a busy transfer window on Wearside, but he has quickly become one of Ligue Bris’ most important players. Not only has he cemented himself as Sunderland’s No.1, he has produced some of the best goalkeeping metrics in the Premier League this season.
A breakout Premier League season few predicted
Roefs’ numbers underline why critics in the Netherlands are now questioning how he was allowed to leave for England so cheaply. Across 15 Premier League matches, he has:
- A 76% save percentage — second only to David Raya
- Four clean sheets
- 17 goals conceded
- Ranked second in total saves
- Ranked top five in goals prevented
These are elite-level statistics, especially for a goalkeeper adapting to a new league and a club still building its defensive identity. His performances have propelled Sunderland into competitive mid-table form and handed the team vital points in tight games.
It’s no surprise, then, that Roefs has forced his way into the Netherlands national team setup, where he is now seen as a genuine challenger to Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen.
“Ajax and PSV missed a huge opportunity”
Derksen did not hold back when discussing Roefs’ rise, telling PSV Inside that the Dutch giants simply failed to see what Sunderland saw clearly.
“It’s incomprehensible that they overlooked Roefs in the Netherlands. He’s the weekly star for Sunderland at the highest level. You could have just signed him.” — Johan Derksen
His comments reflect a growing frustration in Dutch football that talented goalkeepers are often undervalued domestically — only for Premier League sides to reap the rewards later.
This is exactly how Premier League stars are found
In our view, Robin Roefs as a Premier League star narrative highlights a broader trend: Premier League clubs are increasingly willing to pay modest fees for high-upside talent who may not yet have the reputation to be valued properly in their home leagues. Although some Dutch fans may be bitter, the nuance is that NEC gave Roefs the No.1 role early and Sunderland moved before anyone else realised his ceiling.
From my experience covering emerging goalkeepers, Roefs fits the modern profile perfectly: reflexive shot-stopping, confident in high-pressure moments, and improving rapidly with his distribution under Le Bris. Sunderland’s recruitment team identified those traits early, and they’re now being rewarded.
A fair counterpoint: goalkeeping performance can fluctuate, and a half-season surge doesn’t guarantee long-term success. But Roefs’ numbers — especially goals prevented — tend to correlate with sustainable quality rather than temporary form.
Why this weekend matters
Roefs is expected to start again on Sunday when Sunderland face Newcastle in a heated derby. It is exactly the type of high-emotion, high-intensity match where elite goalkeepers make reputations. A strong performance here could further cement Roefs’ status as one of the Premier League’s breakout stars.
Key Insights
- Robin Roefs has become one of the Premier League’s best-performing goalkeepers.
- Dutch pundit Johan Derksen calls it “incomprehensible” that Ajax and PSV overlooked him.
- Roefs has a 76% save rate, four clean sheets, and ranks top five for goals prevented.
- Sunderland signed him for €10m in the summer — now viewed as a huge bargain.
- Roefs expected to start in the derby vs Newcastle this weekend.
What’s Next
Roefs will prepare for a major derby test against Newcastle, a match that could elevate his rising reputation even further. Sunderland fans see him as one of the steals of the season — and performances like Sunday’s could strengthen that belief.
👉 Sunderland fans — is Roefs already the best signing the club has made in years?
1 Comment (last comment by JamesLove)
First read message
By JamesLove 12 Dec 2025 14:38
Not only Ajax or PSV but I think for the rest of the PL clubs as well. Sunderland somehow have their scouting pretty much on point! Every transfer seems to add value
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