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

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

According to Sunderland Echo, his return follows an influential run, capped by a match-winning display in Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby victory at Newcastle.

Brobbey’s rise under Regis Le Bris began slowly after his deadline-day switch from Ajax, with the 24-year-old used sparingly. As his sharpness grew, so did his minutes, and since the 3-0 loss to Manchester City on 6 December he has started all but two league games.

His only recent setback was a groin problem that sidelined him for consecutive fixtures against Bournemouth and Leeds in late February and early March.

Koeman said the forward now looks far fitter than during his previous call-up at Ajax and is adapting to Premier League intensity. He noted Brobbey initially played little but earned his place, adding he wants to see him in match action. He also contrasted the Premier League’s demands with training in the Netherlands.

Brobbey has eight senior caps and one international goal, and has not featured since a Nations League cameo against Spain this time last year. Le Bris has praised his progress, saying the league’s demands are extreme and Brobbey needed time to be physically competitive.

Source: Sunderland Echo