Winston Bogarde credits Sunderland move as Brian Brobbey shines at World Cup | OneFootball

Former Chelsea and Netherlands defender Winston Bogarde has praised Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey for his World Cup impact in North America, and believes a Premier League move has underpinned his rise with the Netherlands.

Brobbey won his 13th cap as a substitute in a 2-2 draw with Group F rivals Japan, then started and struck twice in a 5-1 win over Sweden on Saturday. “I know Brian from my time as a coach at Ajax. He is a very special guy. If you give him confidence and you have his best interests at heart, he will go through fire for you,” he told Voetbal International.

“He was going through a difficult period in his final season at Ajax. At the time, Ajax were playing football that wasn’t his style.”

“His move to England proved to be a wise one. Different facets are required of a striker there, and he has made that transition well. We are now seeing the result of his development in the Dutch national team.”

The former Ajax forward scored seven goals in 31 Premier League games in his first season on Wearside, and settled a historic Tyne-Wear derby at Newcastle United. He was part of Regis Le Bris’s side that reached the Europa League for the first time.

The Netherlands face Tunisia in their final group game on Friday, and the Sunderland forward will hope to impress again.

Source: Sunderland Echo