Koeman says Brian Brobbey is much fitter as Sunderland form earns Netherlands recall | OneFootball

Brian Brobbey has been recalled by the Netherlands, with Ronald Koeman praising the Sunderland striker’s improved fitness since his summer move.

According to Sunderland Echo, the 24-year-old’s upturn has been underlined by a match-winning display in Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby victory over Newcastle United and a sustained run of starts in the Premier League.

Brobbey’s Sunderland stint began slowly after his deadline day switch from boyhood club Ajax, as he built sharpness. As his conditioning improved, his minutes grew, and he has started all but two league matches since a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City in early December.

His only notable setback in recent months was a groin issue that sidelined him for consecutive games against Bournemouth and Leeds United in late February and early March. Koeman viewed Brobbey’s increased durability and ability to handle Premier League intensity as key reasons to bring him back in.

The national coach believes the move has worked well, noting Brobbey initially featured sparingly but earned his place. He contrasted the Premier League’s unrelenting demands, and Sunderland’s insistence on going to the last second, with the training rhythm in the Netherlands.

Brobbey has eight senior caps and one international goal, and has not featured for the Netherlands since a brief UEFA Nations League outing against Spain around this time last year. Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris has also highlighted Brobbey’s recent training level and growing connection with team-mates after arriving short of peak fitness.

Source: Sunderland Echo