AMSTERDAM, March 25 - Sunderland forward Brian Brobbey is back in the Netherlands lineup for the first time in a year, earning a recall ahead of Thursday’s World Cup warm-up against Norway at Amsterdam Arena.
The move comes after Memphis Depay withdrew due to injury. Brobbey, 24, has impressed with his fitness and physicality since joining Sunderland from Ajax, traits now recognized by Dutch coach Ronald Koeman.
Koeman credited the Premier League’s demands for Brobbey’s transformation. "In the Netherlands, you can still play even if less fit. Not in England," he said. "Sunderland fights until the last second-that discipline changed him."
Brobbey scored the winner in Sunday’s derby victory over Newcastle United. He noted the faster pace and limited scoring chances sharpened his finishing: "Here, you get one or two shots per game. They have to go in."
The striker, who also faces Ecuador in Eindhoven, aims to become the Netherlands’ primary No. 9. "It would be wonderful," he said. "I’m working hard for it."
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