Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman says Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey’s fitness improved after his move to the Premier League side.
The 24-year-old arrived at the Stadium of Light from Ajax on last summer deadline day for €20m plus bonuses.
Brobbey initially found it difficult at Sunderland as Régis Le Bris only utilised him as a substitute.
In November, he came off the bench to score the late equaliser in the Black Cats’ 2-2 draw against Arsenal. A month later, he made his first start for Sunderland against Liverpool.
He has six goals and an assist from 1,370 minutes from 24 league matches this season. This includes a late winner in the derby against Newcastle United at St James’ Park at the weekend. His Premier League stats per game are as follows.
Big chances created: 2
Key passes: 0.4
Shots on target: 0.5
Goal conversion: 25%
Big chances missed: 7
His recent performances have helped him return to the Netherlands squad for the first time in a year.
Koeman on Sunderland player’s development
On Monday, the national team manager spoke about Brobbey and Mee Met Oranje have relayed his comments.
In his last two seasons at Ajax, the frontman struggled with injuries and fitness on five separate occasions. Last October, former Ajax manager John van ‘t Schip said he has been physically vulnerable.
Since joining Sunderland, the Dutchman has missed 17 days between February and March due to a groin injury. Koeman now praises his player and talks about how his fitness improved at the English club.
“He is doing very well, which is why he is included. I do want to see him in the match, and I am curious about that,” he said.
“I can best compare him to the Brobbey who was here last time, when he was still playing for Ajax,” he said.
“He’s much fitter now and is adapting wonderfully to the intensity demands of the Premier League. He used to have problems with that. His move has worked out very well. Initially, he hasn’t played much, but he has earned his spot.
“That could also have to do with the level of the competition, that he was able to remain important here with less. That isn’t possible in the Premier League, Also, because of the club he plays for. They are doing great, but that is focused on going until the very last second. That is a different kind of training than what we have in the Netherlands.”
The national team manager used Brobbey as an example to send a message to Dutch clubs.
“We all train number 10s; they are all small and skillful, but modern football demands different things,” Koeman explained.
Netherlands fixtures for March international break
Oranje have already qualified for the World Cup and therefore, have two friendlies in the ongoing international break.
They face Norway on Friday and Ecuador next Tuesday.
Brian Brobbey will certainly have a point to prove with the Netherlands team. When the forward moved to Sunderland he was almost chased by mockery from some in the Dutch media.
They’ve since had to eat their words, and he’s now seen as an important player for Oranje.
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