Brian Brobbey physical in 2025 for Sunderland

Van ’t Schip reveals why Sunderland forward Brobbey struggles with fitness

John William Last updated: Oct 8, 2025, 9:59 am
1

Image: IMAGO / Sportimage

Sunderland’s summer signing Brian Brobbey has been the subject of fresh debate in the Netherlands, with his former Ajax coach John van ’t Schip expressing concern over the forward’s fitness.

Brobbey joined Sunderland from Ajax on deadline day, with French coach Régis Le Bris using him as a substitute in three Premier League matches so far. The 23-year-old arrived in England under a cloud, with Dutch media portraying his exit from Ajax in negative terms and suggesting his move to Wearside represented more relief than regret for the Eredivisie side.

But Van ’t Schip, who guided Ajax in the second half of the 2023/24 season, believes the powerful striker has plenty of talent – provided his physical vulnerabilities are managed carefully. He was the last Ajax boss to get consistent production from Brobbey, overseeing a purple patch that remains the best spell of his career.

Van ’t Schip explains Brobbey’s best spell

Under Van ’t Schip, Brobbey scored 15 goals and registered 10 assists in 28 games, earning Ajax’s Player of the Year award. The Dutch coach said his approach focused on keeping the striker fit and varying his playstyle.

“In the first phase, he was fit. The only thing I told him, because he’s very strong with the ball and holding off opponents, was that he needed to vary his play much more. He found a good balance in that. There was a good period, and I think he scored eighteen goals in all the matches I was there. He was also named Ajax Player of the Year.” — John van ’t Schip

That purple patch ended when Brobbey picked up a hamstring injury, sparking ongoing concerns about his ability to handle consistent minutes at the highest level.

“Vulnerable physically” – fitness doubts resurface

Speaking to Dutch outlet Rondo, relayed by Ajax Showtime, Van ’t Schip underlined the striker’s fragility:

“Only in the last three or four months did he have constant complaints. He could play for thirty minutes, then not, then sixty minutes. He’s a bit vulnerable physically, that’s the only downside.” — John van ’t Schip

The former Ajax boss added that Brobbey’s natural physical power may actually work against him:

“You shouldn’t take him to the weight room. He has strength, but I think it’s more about his muscle structure and flexibility. He has so much power that things sometimes go wrong for him.” — John van ’t Schip

Sunderland’s challenge

For Sunderland and Le Bris, the challenge now is to rebuild Brobbey’s confidence while carefully managing his minutes. Dutch commentators have been quick to ridicule the forward, labelling his transfer to the Premier League as a bonus for Ajax rather than a coup for the Black Cats.

But Brobbey has the chance to flip that narrative. If Sunderland can harness his strength, minimise injury risks, and give him a platform to rediscover form, the 23-year-old could yet prove his critics wrong.

Analyst verdict: risk worth taking

FootballPlace analyst John William notes:

“Brobbey divides opinion, but his numbers under Van ’t Schip show what he can do when managed properly. Sunderland’s staff will need to strike a balance between physical conditioning and tactical usage. If they succeed, they may unlock a player capable of contributing double figures in goals and assists.”

Key insights

  • Brian Brobbey joined Sunderland from Ajax in summer 2025.
  • Has made three substitute appearances in the Premier League so far.
  • Former Ajax boss Van ’t Schip calls him “vulnerable physically.”
  • Best spell came in 2023/24 with 15 goals and 10 assists under Van ’t Schip.
  • Dutch media mocked his Ajax exit; Sunderland hope to revive him.

What’s next for Brobbey?

Sunderland fans will hope the international break provides Brobbey with extra time to reach full sharpness ahead of a busy October schedule. His ability to stay fit and adapt to Premier League intensity will be crucial if he is to silence doubters in both England and the Netherlands.

👉 Can Brian Brobbey overcome his fitness struggles and prove a success story at Sunderland?

1 Comment (last comment by Adem)

First read message

Adem

By Adem 8 Oct 2025 10:00

It's not the only concern where he struggles with. Its everything...

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Football Place