Sunderland goalkeeper Melker Ellborg admitted it was “hard to take in” his Premier League debut after the 22-year-old kept a clean sheet in the Black Cats’ 1-0 win over Leeds United.
The Swedish goalkeeper spoke to Sportbladet after the match, describing the moment as an “incredible” experience following his January move from Malmö FF.
Ellborg was handed a starting opportunity because regular goalkeeper Robin Roefs missed the game through injury. Sunderland secured all three points, with Habib Diarra scoring the only goal from the penalty spot.
The goalkeeper spoke shortly after the final whistle while the Sunderland team bus was heading north. He said the mood among the squad was positive following both the victory and his personal milestone.
“It is a good atmosphere and everyone is very happy, both for the win and also for me,” Ellborg said.
However, the young goalkeeper admitted the moment had not fully sunk in yet.
“It is hard to take this in. It is a dream that has come true. It feels incredible to have made my debut in the best league in the world and to keep a clean sheet. It cannot get better than that.”
Quick impact after January arrival
Ellborg only arrived at Sunderland during the January transfer window, when the club signed him from Malmö FF. Swedish reports state the deal was worth around £3.3m (€3.9m).
Despite being new to the club, the goalkeeper explained that the transition has been smooth.
“It was completely okay. I have felt so welcome since day one that it already feels like I have been in Sunderland for more than a month,” he said.
The 22-year-old also highlighted how Sunderland’s defence helped make his debut night easier.
“It was nice to make a good save and feel that I got into the game. It ended up being a fairly simple match for me”, he said. “Our outfield players and defenders work enormously to block shots and clear the ball away. They made it easy for me.”
Good news for Sunderland
Ellborg’s debut may not have required constant heroics, but a clean sheet in a Premier League debut will certainly strengthen his case for more opportunities.
With Roefs currently sidelined, Sunderland may now have another reliable option between the posts. Meanwhile, Ellborg has already delivered the kind of start most young goalkeepers only dream about.
