The calls for Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey to be the starting striker for the Netherlands this summer are growing in the Dutch press.
Today it’s the turn of Wilfred Genee and Rene van der Gijp, via Voetbal Primeur. He’s been left very impressed by Brobbey’s new, ‘ripped’ physique at the Stadium of Life.
Impressing at Sunderland
Brian Brobbey joined Sunderland on the final day of the summer transfer window and has impressed ever since.
The 24-year-old has managed seven goals, and one assists in 30 appearances in the Premier League this season, despite playing in just 61% of the available minutes.
His performances have seen him get back on track following a difficult end to his second spell at Ajax and put him firmly back in the Netherlands eyeline. Calls for Ronald Koeman to make him the starting striker at the World Cup have been increasing by the week.
The striker appears to be a man reborn, having worked with a special coach this year to improve his game but also his physique.
It’s paid off, and now the likes of Genee want to see him given his chance. He was full of praise for the Sunderland striker this week during the “Krantjes” segment on the show Vandaag Inside.
“I was just scrolling through Instagram when I came across a photo of Brobbey,” says Wilfred Genee, before showing the image to Van der Gijp. “Just look at this: he has never been this ripped before.”
Physique impresses
Gijp agrees. “He is incredibly lean and fit. Would he be a viable option as the Netherlands’ starting striker? Absolutely.”
“We’ve never seen him look like this during his time at Ajax. He’s also scoring quite consistently in the Premier League. Would you actually go for it at the World Cup?” Genee then asked his fellow panellist.
“Well: Brobbey and Malen… I do think Koeman will end up taking Memphis along. But then, for five weeks straight, the conversation will revolve around: is he fit? Can he play? How long can he play? Can he start, or will he have to come off the bench?
“What a hassle, man. Especially when you see those images of Brobbey. I wouldn’t hesitate for a second when choosing between a one hundred percent-fit Brobbey and a physically struggling Memphis.”
