Brian Brobbey believes his first season at Sunderland has transformed him as a player, with the striker opening up on his development after helping the Black Cats secure European football.
The Dutchman arrived from Ajax on Deadline Day and needed time to settle. However, he ended the campaign as Sunderland’s top scorer, helped the club secure European football and earned a place in the Netherlands’ World Cup squad.
Speaking to Dutch magazine Voetbal International, Brobbey reflected on a campaign that appears to have changed both his game and his outlook.
The 24-year-old admitted the Premier League quickly forced him to adapt.
“It is very tough, the Premier League. You have to be switched on every game. Even away at Burnley or Wolves, you can never relax. Everything is fast. I think that is the biggest change compared to the Netherlands. The intensity.”
That challenge was exactly what he wanted after a difficult final year at Ajax.
“I wanted a new challenge anyway, to step out of my comfort zone and do something new. English football suits me as well because there is a lot of speed and strength. But everyone is strong, so you also have to think.”
Sunderland success and personal growth
Brobbey’s first season was about much more than goals.
The striker explained he has become increasingly focused on details away from the pitch, working on nutrition, recovery, sleep and injury prevention while regularly reviewing his own performances.
“I started working with people on nutrition, I watch all my own footage back with someone and I am much more conscious of details like sleeping, recovering and other things to prevent injuries.”
The results have been visible. After often struggling physically in previous seasons, Brobbey has become more durable and more complete.
“The biggest difference is that everything goes faster here, so you have to think better, also in your game. Not only holding off your man, but also running in behind, getting free.”
He added: “I am always working with the coaches on movement, positioning in front of goal, combination play and recognising spaces. I think I am a little more complete now.”
The progress is reflected in the numbers as well. Brobbey finished the Premier League season with seven goals, making him Sunderland’s top scorer.
More notably, he was far more efficient than during his final campaign at Ajax. While he scored four Eredivisie goals from 10.27 expected goals in 2024/25, he found the net seven times from 5.94 expected goals in England this season.
Even so, the Dutchman believes there is plenty more to come.
“I think there could have been more goals, because I still had a few chances. But if you look at where I came from, I think I developed myself well in that area too.”
The Sunderland striker has already set himself a target for next season.
“If I can be involved in the whole pre-season next year, I hope to reach double figures. That would be nice.”
Stadium of Light impact
One theme runs throughout the interview – Brobbey has fallen in love with Sunderland.
The Dutchman was still talking enthusiastically about the club’s dramatic final-day win over Chelsea, a result that secured European qualification.
“It was unbelievable, honestly. We went by bus from our academy to the stadium and Sunderland fans were everywhere in the streets supporting us.”
“I have been to all the Premier League stadiums this season and I genuinely think we have the best fans. The atmosphere is top, top, top.”
He also highlighted the pre-match rendition of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling In Love” as one of the defining experiences of the campaign.
“Before that last match against Chelsea, when they started singing it, we were all so hyped. Then after the game, when we had reached Europe, it was really beautiful. This is really a big club.”
Asked about his favourite goal of the season, he chose the strike against Tottenham. He highlighted his ‘new best friend’, Enzo Le Fée, has also played a role.
“I think the one against Tottenham, yeah that was my best one. A very nicely worked goal, that combination with Enzo Le Fée”, he said.
“Very good player, Le Fée. He is my new Kenneth Taylor! I told Kenneth that recently as well. He did not look happy, hahaha, but he understood. He is a very good number 10 who stays close to me, we have a good connection.”
As for himself, he believes Sunderland supporters have not yet seen the finished product.
“I play in the Premier League now. That is a world of difference compared to the Eredivisie. I have developed well and I think people can see that.”
“I think this is just a very different Brian Brobbey than two years ago.”
Le Bris sees room for much more
The interview also included comments from Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris, who believes Brobbey’s first season in England should only be the beginning.
“Brian needed a few weeks to find his way after arriving so late in the transfer window, which was completely normal.”
The Frenchman praised the striker’s development across the season.
“Brian’s ability to function as a focal point, his fighting spirit and his presence in the penalty area became clearer week after week.”
Le Bris also revealed the point at which Brobbey established himself as Sunderland’s first-choice striker.
“From midway through the season, he really claimed his place as our first striker.”
The Sunderland manager then delivered perhaps the most encouraging verdict for supporters.
“Overall, it has been a very positive first season for Brian”, he said.“It also shows there is still a lot of room left in him, plenty of space for improvement.”
