Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey may be starring in the Premier League at present, but not everybody is convinced.
The striker has very much turned his career around since joining the Black Cats from Ajax last summer. 10 goals and one assists in 38 games are a testament to that.
The latest of those goals, a hattrick against Manchester City, had him heading into the international break looking to make his mark for the Netherlands.
Netherlands choice
They have a shortage in the striker position at this moment in time, opening the door for the Sunderland man to strike his claim. Instead, a hamstring injury has ruled him out for this break.
That’s left the Netherlands looking at other options, like Max Meerdink. And for the likes of Kenneth Perez, the youngster has already proven why the Sunderland man shouldn’t be first choice under Xavi.
“Players with finesse were brought on. Not that mindless physical battling. I’m a bit fed up with that. I want to see players with finesse,” he said.
“I’d rather watch Meerdink than Brobbey. I’m a bit tired of all that rough physical play, the duels, and that sort of thing. Zirkzee is the same; sometimes you just think: ‘Come on, do something.’ I really enjoyed seeing the way Meerdink laid the ball off. He’s definitely my preference.”
What does Xavi want?
The question is what Xavi is aiming for with his Netherlands team moving forwards.
Given his apparent football philosophy, it would be surprising if a physical, battling striker like the Sunderland star is the one he wants leading the line.
On the flip side, though, a team with too many technical players can often prove to be an issue in the long-term. The trick is often finding the perfect balance between both.
The reality may be that if Brobbey continues scoring as he has for Sunderland, the Netherlands will have little choice but to continue with him. That’s even if Perez wants to see change.
