Sunderland Forward Praised For This Wonderful Attribute: Can He Keep His Form Till The End Of The Season? | OneFootball

Dutch media are buzzing about Sunderland forward Brian Brobbey. His heroics in the Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle United caught everyone’s eye. In this regard, Marciano Vink spoke on the show Voetbalpraat about the striker. He noticed that Brobbey’s fitness has completely changed since he moved to England.

Brian Brobbey has found form for the Black Cats

At Ajax, Brobbey often struggled to complete a full 90 minutes, which caused tension with his former boss, Francesco Farioli. However, his last-minute winner at St James’ Park showed everyone his new stamina and strength. After scoring the winner, he took off his shirt to celebrate.

Vink described his physique as “hard as concrete.” Brobbey said the celebration wasn’t a jab at his old critics in the Netherlands. Even so, the Dutch press saw it as proof that he has grown as a pro. On Match of the Day, pundits also praised his hard work against a tough Newcastle defence. This comeback shows that Sunderland’s training has finally given him the consistency he lacked in Amsterdam.

“Something has definitely clicked for him,” he said on Voetbalpraat on Wednesday.

“You can see that when he takes off his shirt, too. He is so ripped, he’s like concrete. What I find fantastic is that he was often criticised for not being able to last ninety minutes.

“Now you see that when you go abroad, and real specialists are put on the job, this is what comes out.”

“When you see the energy, he puts in and how quickly he has also won over the analysts of Match of the Day. The fact that they start with ‘how can you not love Brobbey’, I find that truly unique,” he added.

Can Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey keep this up for the 2026 World Cup?

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – MARCH 22: Brian Brobbey of Sunderland scores his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Sunderland at St James’ Park on March 22, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

This physical change for the 24-year-old is a big deal for both his club and the Dutch national team. During this 2025/26 Premier League season, Brobbey has scored six goals in 24 games. He has proved he can handle the non-stop pressure of English football. He now bullies experienced defenders and keeps his energy high until the final whistle. This form forced Ronald Koeman to call him up for the current international break.

In the past, critics hated his 45.1% aerial duel success rate and slow movement. However, Brobbey’s derby winner proves his goal-scoring instincts are still sharp. He has traded the easy life in the Eredivisie for a harder athletic standard, and this new level rewards grit over just skill.

The main concern is his history of small muscle injuries, as these might recur during a busy summer schedule. If he stays disciplined, he gives the Dutch squad a physicality that other strikers don’t have. Sunderland clearly made his fitness a priority, and that investment might win him a starting spot on the world stage this June.