Brian Brobbey has forced his way back into the Netherlands squad after an impressive spell at Sunderland reignited his international career, with the 24-year-old striker now firmly in contention for a place at the World Cup.
Brobbey is expected to start for the Netherlands on Thursday as they host Norway in a World Cup warm-up at the Amsterdam Arena, coming into the squad after regular centre-forward Memphis Depay withdrew through injury. It will be his first appearance for the national team in over a year.
His move to Sunderland from Ajax has proven to be a turning point. The striker scored the winning goal in the weekend derby against Newcastle United and has caught the eye of national coach Ronald Koeman, who put Brobbey’s improved form down to a significant jump in fitness levels since arriving in England.
“In the Netherlands, you can still play and be important even if you are less fit. That is not possible in the Premier League,” Koeman said. “That is also due to the club he plays for. Sunderland is doing great and they are focused on giving everything until the very last second.”
Brobbey himself agreed that the demands of English football have sharpened him up. “I just play a lot more matches. Your body gets used to that,” he said. “It is more physical, but that suits me well. I am now playing against tough defenders.”
He also highlighted how playing in a less dominant side has improved his finishing. “In our team, you get a maximum of one or two chances per match. They just have to go in, so you become extra sharp in front of the goal. At Ajax, you get at least four or five chances per match.”
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