Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey believes his first season in England has transformed him both on and off the pitch after helping the Black Cats secure European football.
The Dutch forward arrived from Ajax on Deadline Day and initially needed time to adapt to life in the Premier League. By the end of the campaign, however, he had established himself as Sunderland’s leading goalscorer and earned a place in the Netherlands’ World Cup squad.
Speaking to Voetbal International, Brobbey reflected on a season he believes has accelerated his development.
Premier League intensity changed his game
Brobbey admitted English football forced him to adapt quickly.
The 24-year-old highlighted the relentless pace and physicality of the Premier League as the biggest difference compared to his time in the Netherlands.
“Everything is fast. I think that is the biggest change compared to the Netherlands. The intensity.”
After a difficult final season at Ajax, the striker felt a move abroad was necessary to continue his development. He believes Sunderland provided exactly the challenge he needed.
Focus on details paying off
The Sunderland forward explained that his improvement has not only come from what happens on the pitch.
Brobbey has worked extensively on nutrition, recovery, sleep and injury prevention while also reviewing his performances in detail.
Those changes have helped him become more complete and physically reliable.
“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.”
Numbers show significant progress
The statistics back up Brobbey’s belief that he has improved.
He finished the Premier League season with seven goals, making him Sunderland’s top scorer. More impressively, he became far more efficient in front of goal compared to his final season at Ajax.
| Brian Brobbey Comparison | Ajax (2024/25) | Sunderland (2025/26) |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 4 | 7 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 10.27 | 5.94 |
Despite becoming Sunderland’s leading scorer, Brobbey still believes he can improve further and has already set himself a target of reaching double figures next season.
Sunderland supporters made huge impression
One of the strongest themes from the interview was Brobbey’s affection for Sunderland and its supporters.
The striker singled out the atmosphere at the Stadium of Light and the club’s dramatic final-day victory over Chelsea, which secured European qualification.
He even described Sunderland's supporters as the best he encountered throughout the season.
“I have been to all the Premier League stadiums this season and I genuinely think we have the best fans.”
Brobbey also praised teammate Enzo Le Fée, describing the French midfielder as his “new best friend” after the pair developed a strong understanding on the pitch.
Le Bris expects even more
Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris believes Brobbey’s first season is only the beginning.
The French coach revealed the striker needed time to settle after arriving late in the transfer window but praised the progress he made throughout the campaign.
Le Bris highlighted Brobbey’s physical presence, work ethic and growing influence in the penalty area, while insisting there is still significant room for improvement.
Key Points
- Brian Brobbey believes he is a “very different” player after his first Sunderland season.
- The Dutch striker finished as Sunderland’s top scorer with seven Premier League goals.
- He credits Premier League intensity for accelerating his development.
- Brobbey has focused heavily on nutrition, recovery and performance analysis.
- The 24-year-old hopes to reach double figures next season.
- Régis Le Bris believes there is still considerable room for improvement.
What's next?
With a full pre-season ahead of him for the first time since arriving in England, Brobbey will be expected to play an even bigger role as Sunderland prepare for European football.
If his development continues at the same pace, the striker could become one of the Premier League's most improved forwards next season.
Can Brian Brobbey hit double figures in the Premier League next season, or should Sunderland still look to sign another striker this summer?
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