Brian Brobbey reveals key change behind his growing Sunderland impact

Brian Brobbey has explained how individual training is helping him add another dimension to his game after his impressive start at Sunderland.

The 24-year-old arrives on Netherlands duty with momentum after scoring a hat-trick in Sunderland’s dramatic 5-3 defeat at Manchester City. His physical strength and finishing have long been among his most obvious qualities, but Brobbey is now focusing on improving what happens before the ball reaches him.

Speaking to ESPN, the striker revealed he has been working with individual performance coach Patrick Woerst to improve his scanning, positioning and awareness in attacking situations.

Woerst works with Brobbey using video analysis, identifying situations where the former Ajax striker can improve his movement and decision-making.

“We look at footage of myself and then see what I can do better,” Brobbey told ESPN. “Receiving and moving, those kinds of things. Where I can position myself. Looking beforehand where your opponent is. Where the spaces are.”

The objective is to make Brobbey more effective before he even receives possession.

That could prove particularly useful in the Premier League, where centre-backs give forwards little time to control the ball and decide their next action.

Brobbey admits scanning was not previously a consistent part of his game.

“I just look beforehand where my opponent is,” he explained. “Sometimes I didn’t do that, but now I do.”

The work is also helping him recognise when he does not need to use his strength to protect possession.

“Look where the spaces are. Sometimes you don’t always have to hold the ball, but you can also move away.”

That development provides further context to Brobbey’s growing influence at Sunderland. He has established himself at the heart of Régis Le Bris’ attack and his Manchester City hat-trick demonstrated the threat he can provide against elite opposition.

Now back with the Netherlands under Xavi Hernández, Brobbey has an opportunity to show that his improvement extends beyond goals and physical power.

Brobbey will look to take his Sunderland form into international duty, where Donyell Malen’s withdrawal could create additional opportunities for the striker.

When he returns to England, continuing to develop his movement and awareness could make him an even more complete focal point for Le Bris.