Luke O'Nien credits Brian Brobbey battles for sharpened Sunderland form | OneFootball

Luke O'Nien says training against World Cup star Brian Brobbey sharpened his late-season form as Sunderland clinched Europa League qualification. According to Sunderland Echo, the defender felt those sessions were central to his impact in the run-in.

Brobbey became a cult hero on Wearside after an impressive first season and underlined his progress with a brace for the Netherlands against Sweden at the weekend. While waiting for a start, O'Nien regularly marked him in starters v subs drills before Premier League games.

His minutes grew through the second half of the campaign, then Dan Ballard’s red card at Wolves opened the door. O'Nien played a vital part in wins over Everton and Chelsea as Sunderland rose to seventh in the final Premier League table.

He admits Brobbey largely edged their duels, so he constantly asks for feedback on what worked and what did not. O'Nien studies training clips while travelling and looks to adjust positions and timing.

He intends to keep fine-tuning and is grateful for team-mates who make him better.

Brobbey and the Netherlands face Tunisia in their final World Cup group game on Friday night, midnight UK time. With four points on the board, Brobbey and team-mates Robin Roefs and Lutsharel Geertruida look set for an extended stay.

O'Nien is due back at the Academy of Light in early July for pre-season and appears set to have an important role on and off the pitch.

Source: Sunderland Echo