Winston Bogarde credits Premier League move for Brian Brobbey’s World Cup form | OneFootball

Brian Brobbey has been praised by former Netherlands defender Winston Bogarde after the Sunderland striker’s eye-catching World Cup displays.

He earned his 13th cap as a substitute in a 2-2 draw with Group F rivals Japan, then marked his first World Cup start by scoring twice in a 5-1 win over Sweden on Saturday. The Netherlands conclude their group against Tunisia on Friday.

“I know Brian from my time as a coach at Ajax. He is a very special guy. A very sweet guy. A guy with character, too. If you give him confidence and you have his best interests at heart, he will go through fire for you,” Bogarde said, speaking to Voetbal International.

“He was going through a difficult period in his final season at Ajax. At the time, Ajax were playing football that wasn’t his style. His move to England proved to be a wise one. Different facets are required of a striker there, and he has made that transition well. We are now seeing the result of his development in the Dutch national team.”

Brobbey struck seven goals in 31 Premier League appearances in his first season on Wearside and settled a historic Tyne-Wear derby at Newcastle United. He was among the players who helped Regis Le Bris guide Sunderland into the Europa League for the first time.

Source: Sunderland Echo