Ronald Koeman hails 'much fitter' Brian Brobbey as Sunderland form earns Netherlands recall | OneFootball

Brian Brobbey has been recalled by the Netherlands, with Ronald Koeman praising how Sunderland have sharpened the striker’s fitness since his summer arrival.

According to Sunderland Echo, the 24-year-old has impressed on Wearside, capped by a match-winning display in Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby victory over Newcastle United.

His rise to become Regis Le Bris’s first-choice centre-forward was gradual after a September deadline-day move from boyhood club Ajax. As his sharpness improved, he has started all but two Premier League matches since the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City on December 6th.

A groin problem sidelined him for consecutive games against Bournemouth and Leeds in late February and early March, his only significant setback in recent months.

Koeman said Brobbey is doing very well and that he wants to see him in action, adding the forward now looks far fitter and is adjusting to the Premier League’s intensity after early difficulties. He said the move has suited him, that Brobbey initially played little but earned his place, and that Sunderland’s relentless approach differs from what he knew in the Netherlands.

Brobbey has eight senior caps and one international goal, and has not featured since a brief UEFA Nations League outing against Spain around this time last year.

Le Bris said Brobbey trained at another level this week, praised his growing connection with team-mates, and noted the league’s demands after an initial period when the striker needed time to reach competitive fitness.

Source: Sunderland Echo