Winston Bogarde hails Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey after World Cup brace for Netherlands | OneFootball

Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey has been praised by former Netherlands defender Winston Bogarde after his World Cup impact, capped by two goals in a 5-1 win over Sweden. He earned his 13th senior cap as a substitute in a 2-2 draw with Group F rivals Japan before Ronald Koeman promoted him to the starting XI.

"I know Brian from my time as a coach at Ajax. He is a very special guy. If you give him confidence and you have his best interests at heart, he will go through fire for you." Bogarde told Voetbal International.

Brobbey scored seven goals in 31 Premier League appearances in his first season on Wearside and settled the Tyne-Wear derby at Newcastle United. His form helped Regis Le Bris guide Sunderland into the Europa League for the first time.

"He was going through a difficult period in his final season at Ajax. That also had to do with the team he played in and the situation the club was in. 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."

The Netherlands face Tunisia in their final group game on Friday, and Brobbey will hope to impress again.

Source: Sunderland Echo