Gus Poyet explains why Brian Brobbey is such a rare handful | OneFootball

Gus Poyet has hailed Brian Brobbey’s old-school centre-forward play after the Sunderland striker settled the derby with a 90th-minute winner in the 2-1 victory at Newcastle United.

“Brian Brobbey was probably the best player for Sunderland. £17million he cost from Ajax. You compare that to Newcastle's recruitment in the summer and what they paid on forwards, and there lies the problem. That's been a huge problem for Newcastle, the inconsistency.” He was speaking on The Rest Is Football.

Brobbey’s strike was his sixth of the campaign since a deadline-day move from boyhood club Ajax last summer, and he troubled the hosts’ back line throughout at St James’ Park.

Poyet said he first tracked Brobbey while working with Greece and, if he remembers rightly, the forward was a Netherlands substitute. He highlighted the Dutchman’s strength and the different ways teams can use him.

He added that the game has lost that type of striker, one who plays with his back to goal and shields the ball, making it difficult for defenders to get round him.

Poyet also stressed the forward’s work rate and felt the late derby clincher was important for him, noting how much the celebration meant.

Brobbey’s form has been recognised by Ronald Koeman, who has recalled the striker to the Netherlands squad for the first time since March last year.

Source: Sunderland Echo