Sunderland AFC: Simon Moore makes Anthony Patterson claim amid previous Arsenal, Liverpool interest | OneFootball

Anthony Patterson has cemented himself as first-choice at Sunderland in recent seasons

Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Moore has tipped Anthony Patterson to reach the very top of the game.

Moore has been working closely with Patterson since joining the Black Cats on a two-year deal over the summer.

The experienced shot-stopper has been firmly second choice in Régis Le Bris' side, with Patterson maintaining his place in the starting lineup.

The 34-year-old has played for clubs like Sheffield United, Coventry City, Cardiff City and Brentford, and has amassed game time across the English football pyramid, including in the Premier League.

However, he is now coming into the final few years of his career, and has settled into a support role at Sunderland.

Simon Moore makes Anthony Patterson claim

Moore has praised Patterson’s ability at this stage of his career, suggesting he’s already one of the best goalkeepers he’s worked with.

He believes the 24-year-old has the potential to compete at the very top of the game if he can continue on his current trajectory.

"Patto is right up there [with keepers I've worked with]," said Moore, via The Northern Echo.

"I've followed him for a while even before I came here, and he's class, he pulls off some unbelievable saves.

"He's underrated with the ball at his feet as well, calm and composed.

"His handling is excellent, he can without a shadow of a doubt play at the top."

Patterson has been a mainstay in the Sunderland side since 2022, coming into the starting lineup in the second half of their League One promotion campaign.

Injury has kept him out of the team in recent weeks, which has allowed Moore the opportunity to make four league appearances in the team, keeping three clean sheets.

Patterson has earned a lot of praise for his performances, with reports earlier this year from the Express suggesting that clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool already have him on their radar.

Anthony Patterson’s importance to Sunderland

Patterson has featured 102 times in the Championship for Sunderland since helping them gain promotion in 2022.

The shot-stopper has kept 33 clean sheets, with the team coming sixth and 16th in their two full seasons together in the division.

The Black Cats currently sit top of the second division standings, and Patterson’s return to injury could be crucial to their pursuit of promotion in the rest of the term.

Next up for Sunderland is a trip to face an in-form Millwall side on 23 November.

Anthony Patterson’s potential is clear

Patterson has already attracted transfer interest from big clubs to potentially become a number two, but staying at Sunderland as the number one was the smart choice for his career long-term.

If he can continue on his current trajectory, then there is no doubt that he will be playing Premier League football soon, maybe even with Sunderland.

Promotion to the top flight would go a long way to keeping the 24-year-old, but it will become increasingly harder to hold onto him if he keeps up this rate of development.

He is an excellent shot-stopper, and can play with the ball at his feet, meaning he has all the tools to succeed at the highest level in the modern game.