Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey turning things around in the Premier League has pleased Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman.
Koeman attended ESPN NL’s Goedemorgen Eredivisie to discuss a few topics around the national team.
Voetbal Primeur have relayed his comments focusing on the Sunderland player and the striker situation.
The manager makes it clear that Corinthians’ Memphis Depay remains his first choice to lead the country’s attack.
“Yes, there’s no reason to change that. He’s fit and he’s playing. He’s the all-time top scorer for a reason, and he’s important. If that remains the case, he’ll essentially be my striker,” he said.
Koeman pleased with Brobbey’s development
Last summer deadline day, the 24-year-old arrived at the Stadium of Light from Ajax for a reported fee of €20m plus bonuses. The Black Cats’ decision to spend this amount had raised eyebrows considering his poor run at Ajax.
The Netherlands international had a difficult start at Sunderland. Earlier in the season, the Dutch press were critical of his struggles under Régis Le Bris’ orders. However, he has managed to turn things around, and the media in his country have changed their tune.
Two months ago, Sport Witness covered the Dutch slant that Koeman should consider him for the World Cup. The former Everton manager has now given his take on Brobbey.
“He did well. He had a difficult start and didn’t play. But he has learned to understand what is required if he wants to play. He has made really big strides in that regard,” he said.
Sunderland player’s fitness key
In October, Sport Witness covered Dutch claims questioning the frontman’s physicality.
Fast forward to March and the national team boss emphasises the importance of fitness as a key factor to make it to his squad, especially considering his time with the Eredivisie side.
“Fitness and intensity, both with and without the ball. If you want to hold your own in the Premier League, you have to come from a good background; you have to be super fit. At Ajax, he was never truly fit, as strange as that may sound,” Koeman explained.
Brobbey likely to miss March international break
The Netherlands face Norway and Ecuador during the upcoming international break.
Brobbey last made an appearance for his country in March 2025 and is unlikely to make it to Koeman’s next squad.
That’s because the Sunderland player has been on the sidelines with a groin injury since February. He already missed three matches including the Black Cats’ FA Cup defeat to Port Vale on Sunday.
Brobbey could regain fitness in the coming days but is unlikely to make it to the Oranje squad later this month.
