‘Much fitter’ Koeman hails Sunderland impact as Brian Brobbey earns Netherlands recall | OneFootball

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

The recall follows a series of standout displays on Wearside, including a match-winning contribution in Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby victory over Newcastle United. After a deadline-day switch from Ajax in September, he started slowly with limited minutes. Since the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City on 6 December, he has started all but two Premier League games.

The only notable setback in recent months was a groin issue that kept him out against Bournemouth and Leeds United in late February and early March. Koeman said Brobbey is doing very well, wants to see him in a match, and likened him to the version last seen with Ajax.

The coach added that the striker now looks much fitter and is adapting to the Premier League’s intensity after earlier difficulties. He believes the move has worked, noting Brobbey initially played little but then earned his place. Koeman suggested this could also reflect a higher competition level, and that Sunderland’s focus on going until the last second differs from 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.

Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris has also highlighted the forward’s sharp rise, saying he looked at another level in training this week and is increasingly in sync with team-mates. He noted Brobbey began the season short of peak fitness and needed time to become fully competitive.

Source: Sunderland Echo