http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentin_Roberge http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2892...with-roberge?source=breakingnews&ICID=HP_BN_1 The Italian has made an encouraging start to life on Wearside and is already making plans for the summer with the Maritimo defender set to sign on a free transfer Paolo Di Canio has initiated his planned overhaul of Sunderland's playing resources by setting up a close-season transfer of Maritimo centre-back Valentin Roberge. The 25-year-old has agreed to move to the Premier League side under freedom of contract when his current deal with the Portuguese club expires at the end of the season. Fast over the ground and comfortable carrying the ball out of defence, Roberge has spent three seasons in Portugal's Primeira Liga with Maritimo as a first-choice centre-back. The defender spent his teenage years with Guingamp and Paris Saint-Germain before a two-season spell in Greece with Aris, yet is relatively unknown in his native country. Controversially employed as a replacement for Martin O'Neill, Di Canio has eased Sunderland's relegation concerns by winning two of his four Premier League fixtures since his appointment on March 31. With three fixtures remaining, his new club holds a five-point lead over 18th-placed Wigan and a substantial goal-difference advantage over Aston Villa and Newcastle. As a condition of taking over at Sunderland, the Italian sought, and was granted, full control over the club's senior player recruitment. Seen this on facebook and twitter now therefore it almost certainly won't happen. Any of our scouting lads know anything about the lad?
looks composed on the ball, something we lack, need pace in that backline as well more than anything mind [video=youtube;rtM8v-8AMIA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtM8v-8AMIA[/video]
Off the back of that video he looks strong in the challenge, skilful, composed and a decent passer. Not the worst free signing in the world. Better than Carlos anyhow.
looks one paced to me though pace has to be a big factor when we look for centre backs IMO, Villa tore us apart the other night and a big factor was because of the pace they have in the final third, we need, pace, power and composure all over the park
Honestly thought most of the problems came from midfield allowing their players to get on top of the defence. Yet again midfield stuck in no mans land. Didn't help the forwards, didn't help the defence.(Gardener and Larsson to name the worst)
He's a very solid player, for free would be agreat signing. MarÃtimo fans love him, he always gives 100% in all matches, a real warrior.
