Brian Brobbey and Ronald Koeman highlight Sunderland factor after brace equals Ronaldo and Lukas Podolski | OneFootball

The 24-year-old struck twice inside 17 minutes as the Netherlands cruised to a 5-1 win over Sweden at the World Cup, then credited his Sunderland switch for reviving his form.

According to Sunderland Echo, Ronald Koeman said the major difference is the striker’s fitness since leaving Ajax, noting he had not been fit there yet continued to play.

Brobbey’s double carried historical weight. In the past 40 years only three players have scored a World Cup brace as early as his, the others being Ronaldo against Costa Rica in 2002 and Lukas Podolski against Sweden in 2006.

From a Sunderland perspective it was a richly satisfying night. Brobbey started, strengthened his international standing and then spoke about how life on Wearside has aided his development. Lutsharel Geertruida and Robin Roefs were in the Dutch squad but did not come on.

He joined from Ajax after a difficult final season when goals were scarce and questions were asked about confidence and conditioning. Since arriving at the Stadium of Light he has looked sharper and stronger, improvement that has now translated onto the international stage.

Brobbey said he was delighted to help the team and had been told two days earlier he would start. He went in full of confidence and suggested that might stem from a new club and new people, adding that he has developed well there and is simply trying to show it.

Source: Sunderland Echo