Brian Brobbey and Ronald Koeman highlight Sunderland factor after brace equals Ronaldo and Lukas Podolski | OneFootball

Brian Brobbey credited Sunderland for helping revive him after a World Cup brace for the Netherlands, with Ronald Koeman highlighting the striker’s improved fitness since leaving Ajax.

Sunderland Echo notes that the 24-year-old’s move to Wearside has underpinned his upturn.

Brobbey started, struck twice inside the opening 17 minutes and the Netherlands beat Sweden 5-1, a display that strengthened his international standing.

His double had rare company. Over the last 40 years, only Ronaldo, against Costa Rica in 2002, and Lukas Podolski, against Sweden in 2006, have also scored World Cup braces so quickly.

Brobbey joined from Ajax after a difficult final season in the Netherlands, when goals were scarce and doubts were raised about his confidence and condition. At the Stadium of Light he has looked sharper, stronger and more comfortable, progress now visible on the international stage.

He said he was very happy to help the team, had been told two days earlier he would start and went in full of confidence. He added he did not know exactly why, maybe a new club and new people, saying he has developed very well there and just tries to show it.

Koeman suggested fitness is the major difference between Brobbey’s Ajax spell and his current level, adding: “At Ajax, Brobbey wasn’t fit, but he just played.”

Lutsharel Geertruida and Robin Roefs were in the Dutch squad, although both remained unused substitutes.

Source: Sunderland Echo