Patrick Roberts is the most recent player to be linked with a Deadline Day move to Derby. He is a Manchester City player but has been on loan at Middlesbrough for the past year, so we spoke with Dana from The Boro Breakdown to get the low down on the player.
It is being reported that Patrick Roberts is interesting Derby County. What are your thoughts about the move? Do you think it could happen or is it just paper talk?
There’s been a lot of conflicting reports about his future; some saying his loan spell is to be terminated by Manchester City, and some saying that he’s staying put. Boro’s squad is incredibly thin though, and on that basis it wouldn’t make much sense to let him go unless somebody is lined up to effectively replace him.
He’s been on loan at Middlesbrough for a year but has made less than 20 appearances. Why is that? What has gone wrong for him?
He’s found his opportunities limited this season as a result of Neil Warnock’s style of play - the Boro boss is big on a tight, man marking philosophy and it’s been made abundantly clear that’s not Roberts’ strong suit. Warnock has also commented a few times this season about his application in training, so it’s all culminated into a frustrating campaign for the loanee.
What are his strengths?
He’s positive, direct and agile. He’ll look to link up with those in and around him, if they’re on his wavelength. The off the ball movement from his teammates needs to be effective though. He’ll always look to carry the ball forward to jinx through tight spaces and force defenders to step out to deal with him. It’s also very exciting to watch him in full flow when he’s on song. There’s no doubting that, on his day, he’s a top talent.
What are is weaknesses?
Perhaps the biggest weakness of his is the tendency to run down blind alleys and do too much. As mentioned above, the movement off the ball from those in and around him has to be good. If they’re static, Roberts will cut a frustrated figure and will try too often to create things on his own and can sometimes pick the wrong pass or make the wrong decision in the final third. His consistency is a big weakness as well, when he’s not having an impact on the game he becomes a passenger. His defensive work isn’t the greatest, that’s why he’s more of a luxury player.
Derby manager Wayne Rooney likes players who are committed to the cause and give 100% in training sessions and games. Is Roberts this kind of player?
He’s committed to the attacking play, but if you’re wanting a player that will track back and do some defensive work, Roberts is not your man. I could argue it’s just not a part of his footballing DNA, but compromises need to happen. That’s most likely why he’s not getting in the team at present, because Warnock wants his players to stick with their defensive responsibilities. There doesn’t seem to be a trust there with him.
Rooney has noted that Derby are looking for creativity in midfield. Can Roberts provide this creative spark?
He can, on his day. I do think with Roberts, though, that the players he plays with have to be on his level as well. It goes back to what I mentioned about movement off the ball. There were a few times last season where we saw him trying things, but we were far too static and the attacks usually petered out. But if you’re looking for someone to take the ball on the half-turn, commit defenders to him and open up spaces for strikers and on running midfielders then he’s very effective.
What will it take for him to be successful in Derby?
Trust. He was loved at Celtic and he really thrived there. After a few difficult loan spells he just needs an arm around the shoulder and belief that he can bring his strengths to the pitch. If Rooney can focus on what he can do, as opposed to what he can’t, then it may well prove to be a fantastic move. I’m sure he’ll be as motivated as ever to prove a point to a football legend.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
It is an interesting move if it’s just a standard loan. For me, he needs to find a long-term move as opposed to a short-term fix. He needs consistent games and to find a new home. Going back to Celtic would be perfect for him, or a confident side that likes to play slick, possession based football with intent to be quick on the transition and potent in front of goal.
In the right system, he could really thrive. At Boro, his best form came when he was deployed as one of two attacking midfielders in a 3-4-2-1. He’s a flashy player, often fading in and out of games, but there’s no doubting that if he has limited defensive responsibility and a consistent run of games, he can be a real success.
He is at a bit of a crossroad though. This isn’t the first loan spell that hasn’t quite gone to plan. He failed to make an impact at Girona and then had his following loan spell at Norwich cut short. He needs a team that will play to his strengths, make him the main outlet of the attack, and trust him to do his thing.
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