Ronald Koeman says Brian Brobbey is much fitter as Sunderland form earns Netherlands recall | OneFootball

Brian Brobbey has been recalled by the Netherlands, with Ronald Koeman saying the Sunderland striker is now far fitter. According to Sunderland Echo, his form on Wearside has earned the return.

The 24-year-old delivered a match-winning display in Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby victory over Newcastle United, capping a strong run of performances.

Brobbey eased in under Regis Le Bris after a deadline-day switch from Ajax. As fitness improved, minutes grew, and since the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City on six December he has started all but two league matches.

A groin problem kept him out against Bournemouth and Leeds United in late February and early March. Koeman highlighted his improved robustness as key to the call-up, said he wants to see him in action, and compared him to his Ajax-era self.

He believes Brobbey now handles Premier League intensity, whereas he once struggled, and that the move has worked well. The forward initially played little but earned his place amid standards at Sunderland that require effort to the last second, different to training in the Netherlands.

Brobbey has eight caps and one goal, and has not featured since a Nations League cameo against Spain this time last year. Le Bris said training levels rose this week and praised his growing link with team-mates after starting the season short of top fitness.

Source: Sunderland Echo