Tim Krul hails Brian Brobbey as Sunderland ‘icon’ after Manchester City hat-trick

Brian Brobbey’s transformation at Sunderland has earned major praise in the Netherlands, with Tim Krul describing the striker as an emerging “icon” in England.

The 24-year-old underlined his importance to Régis Le Bris’ side on Sunday by scoring a hat-trick in Sunderland’s dramatic 5-3 defeat at Manchester City.

Speaking on Rondo, Krul and Wim Kieft both highlighted the confidence and development Brobbey has shown since establishing himself as Sunderland’s first-choice striker.

Kieft has been following Brobbey’s progress and believes regular football has made a significant difference after the striker previously struggled with pressure during his time in Amsterdam.

“He is developing this way,” Kieft said. “These three goals give an enormous boost to your confidence.”

Krul went even further when assessing Brobbey’s growing status at Sunderland.

“He is doing fantastically,” Krul said. “The central defenders are really afraid of him. He is really becoming an icon, already.”

The former Premier League goalkeeper described Brobbey as a “top striker for Sunderland” and believes the move has provided exactly the environment he needed.

“It is the perfect club at the perfect moment,” Krul added. “I think he can take a few more steps after this.”

Brobbey’s Sunderland form could now be rewarded at international level.

The striker arrived in the Netherlands on Monday ahead of the upcoming Nations League fixtures and has an improved chance of receiving minutes after Donyell Malen withdrew shortly before the international break.

Netherlands manager Xavi Hernández has also selected Mexx Meerdink, meaning Brobbey still faces competition for opportunities.

However, arriving on international duty immediately after scoring three times against Manchester City gives him considerable momentum.

Sunderland ultimately left the Etihad without points, but Brobbey’s individual performance was another indication of his growing importance to Le Bris.

For Krul, his development may not stop there. The former Netherlands international believes Sunderland could prove to be the platform that allows Brobbey to eventually take another step in his career.

Brobbey will now turn his attention to the Netherlands and attempt to carry his Sunderland form into Xavi Hernández’s Nations League fixtures.

With Malen unavailable, the international break could provide the 24-year-old with another opportunity to strengthen his position in the Oranje setup.