Could Patrick Roberts have career redemption with the Rams?

Embed from Getty Images

It seems a lifetime ago since Patrick Roberts made his Premier League debut aged just 17; a youngster out to prove a point on the big stage, donning the Fulham crest on his chest as he faced soon to be suitor Manchester City during their 2014 title winning campaign.

Once described by former Cottagers boss Felix Magath as an ‘extraordinary talent’, it has been seven years since the 24-year-old’s introduction to the top flight and, perhaps to the surprise of those who nurtured his development in the capital city, only five more top flight appearances in England have followed for the midfielder.

After signing for Man City in 2015 for a fee of around £12m, Roberts seemingly became a victim of immense pressure, failing to ever meet the required standard of a regular in the Citizens’ squad, instead enduring loan spells at four different clubs prior to Derby becoming the fifth.

Two fantastic years with Celtic saw the Englishman collect an array of silverware, becoming a 3x Scottish Champion as well as winning each domestic cup on two occasions. Two goals in nine Champions League appearances was hardly bad going either.

Embed from Getty Images

The loan spells that followed were less eye-catching, so to speak. Roberts picked up no accolades during spells with Girona FC, Norwich City or Middlesbrough, recording just one goal and four assists for the sides combined.

Feasibly now a different point, but still a point to prove nonetheless, his loan move to Derby provides him with another chance to reignite his career, but it has not been strictly smooth sailing so far for the former prospect.

Making his eighth appearance since signing, Roberts was in from the off against Stoke City, playing for a good chunk of the Rams’ 1-0 defeat, courtesy of a Jacob Brown header.

Not his most familiar position, the City loanee appeared to start the encounter up front, partnered by Colin Kazim-Richards as the Rams rolled out a 3-5-2 formation. The 24-year-old clearly deputising for Lee Gregory who was unavailable to feature against his parent club.

It took just two minutes for Roberts to have his first involvement of the game. He burst towards goal after the Potters’ defence failed to clear their lines, but was unable to capitalise, slowing down the attack before finding Lee Buchanan whose cross was blocked. 

Tricky footwork then drew a foul on the edge of the Stoke area, something that became a common theme throughout the match. It was clear from the start that his dribbling ability had the potential to unlock the opposition’s back four should he be utilised correctly. 

Displaying great energy in the 20th minute, Roberts raced to the byline to keep the ball in play before hitting a neat through ball into the box, but Kazim-Richards wasn’t quick enough to react. 

The former Bhoy demonstrated his intricate close control once more in the 40th minute, travelling from the right side of the pitch to the left, riding a wave of challenges before finding Buchanan once more.

Roberts continued the second half in the same vein as the first, attacking with intent as he teed up Louie Sibley in the 52nd minute only for the teenager to drag his shot wide. 

That proved to be his last real involvement of the game as he left the field just over ten minutes later as part of a triple substitution.

Ten minutes later, the Rams were behind as Brown headed home from a set piece.

There are undoubtedly aspects of class throughout Roberts’ game, though gaps are also evident, especially when it comes to his end product.

With his contract at City coming to an end, the remaining eight games of the season could be extremely telling as to what is up next in his career.