Koeman hails 'much fitter' Brian Brobbey after Sunderland form earns Netherlands recall | OneFootball

Brian Brobbey has been recalled to the Netherlands squad. According to Sunderland Echo, Ronald Koeman praised the Sunderland striker’s improved fitness since his summer move from Ajax.

The 24-year-old’s upturn has included a decisive display in Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby win over Newcastle United after a strong run of form on Wearside.

Brobbey’s start was gradual following a deadline-day switch from his boyhood club, often featuring sparingly early on. As sharpness returned, his minutes grew. Since the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City on 6 December, he has started all but two Premier League matches.

A groin issue sidelined him for consecutive games against Bournemouth and Leeds United in late February and early March. Koeman said he is now much fitter, adapting to Premier League intensity after earlier difficulties, and that he wants to see him in action for the national side. He linked that progress to the demands at Sunderland and contrasted it with training in the Netherlands.

Brobbey has eight senior caps and one international goal, and has not played for the Netherlands since a brief UEFA Nations League outing against Spain around this time last year.

Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris also praised Brobbey, noting a standout training week, growing connection with teammates and that the striker needed time to reach full competitiveness after arriving short of peak fitness.

Source: Sunderland Echo