Valentin Roberge, a French central defender, landed at Wearside from Portuguese side Maritimo on a free transfer. After making his debut in the opening day defeat at home to Fulham, Roberge has found opportunities limited. With Wes Brown and John O'Shea rolling back the years at the heart of Sunderland's defence, the Frenchman has been a peripheral figure for much of this season. He did get game time during December after Brown's ludicrous lunge Ricky van Wolfswinkel earned him an extended Christmas break, though he was arguably culpable for both of Cardiff City's goals in the 2-2 draw in Wales. The 26-year-old is a ball-playing centre half that certainly fits with the mantra Gus Poyet is slowly ingraining into his side. Despite this, his ability to defend has been called into question already, a slightly important attribute for a defender of course. Whether he has the quality for this level of football remains to be seen and Poyet is unlikely to risk him again anytime soon with Modibo Diakite, another summer signing, a preferred option after returning from an injury lay-off.
First year student at Sunderland University with a passion for all things sport - more specifically cricket and football. Follow me on Twitter - @luke_bidwell.
