Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey has been recalled to the Dutch national side.
Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman has hailed Brian Brobbey for the progress he has made in his fitness journey since signing for Sunderland last summer.
The powerful striker has been recalled to the Dutch national squad after a series of impressive performances on Wearside, including a match-winning turn in Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby victory over Newcastle United.
Brobbey’s emergence as Regis Le Bris’ de facto centre-forward began quite slowly, with the 24-year-old more often than not settling for a watching brief during the early weeks of the campaign following his deadline day transfer from boyhood club Ajax. As his match sharpness has improved, however, so too have his first team minutes - since Sunderland’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City on December 6th, the attacker has started all but two of the Black Cats’ Premier League fixtures.
Indeed, Brobbey’s only notable setback in recent months came as a consequence of a groin complaint that ruled him out of consecutive games against Bournemouth and Leeds United in late February and early March, and according to Koeman, his newfound durability was a key factor in convincing him to recall the attacker to his international setup.
The Dutch head coach said: “He [Brobbey] 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. I can best compare him to the Brobbey who was here last time, when he was still playing for Ajax.
“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.”
At the time of writing, Brobbey has eight senior caps and one international goal to his name, but has not featured for the Netherlands since making a cameo appearance in a UEFA Nations League clash against Spain this time last year.
The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join ourSAFC WhatsApp channel.
What has Regis Le Bris said about Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey?
For his part, Sunderland boss Le Bris has also praised Brobbey for the manner in which he has grown into his role at the Stadium of Light since arriving at the club back in September. Speaking in a post-match press conference on Sunday afternoon, he said: “I felt this week Brian was at another level, really, during the training sessions.
“The way he is now connected with his own performance, but also with his teammates. It's getting crazy, really, because the league is so demanding. He started the season with us at probably not the best fitness level, so he needed a bit of time to be ready to be competitive physically”
Continue Reading