Sunderland star Brian Brobbey questioned despite stunning Premier League form

Brian Brobbey may be enjoying an impressive spell at Sunderland, but former Netherlands international Kenneth Perez is not convinced the striker should be leading the line for his country.

Brobbey has revitalised his career since leaving Ajax for Sunderland last summer, scoring 10 goals and providing one assist in 38 appearances.

His latest performance was his most eye-catching yet, with the striker scoring a hat-trick against Manchester City before the international break.

However, a hamstring injury has prevented him from using that momentum with the Netherlands.

Brobbey’s absence has created an opportunity for other Dutch strikers, including Max Meerdink.

And Perez believes Meerdink is better suited to the type of football he wants to see from the Netherlands.

“I’d rather watch Meerdink than Brobbey,” Perez said.

“I’m a bit tired of all that rough physical play, the duels, and that sort of thing.”

Perez praised Meerdink’s technical qualities and combination play, arguing that the Netherlands benefit from having forwards capable of adding greater finesse in possession.

He also grouped Brobbey with Joshua Zirkzee when expressing his frustration with physically-oriented centre-forwards.

The debate leaves Netherlands manager Xavi Hernandez with an interesting decision when Brobbey returns to fitness.

Brobbey’s physicality is a major part of his game. He can occupy defenders, compete in duels and provide a direct presence through the middle.

Whether that profile fits Xavi’s preferred approach is another question.

Meerdink may offer more of the technical combination play Perez wants to see, but Brobbey is producing where it matters most at club level.

Ten goals since joining Sunderland represents a significant turnaround after his difficult final period at Ajax.

If those goals continue arriving in the Premier League, it will become increasingly difficult for the Netherlands to overlook him regardless of stylistic preferences.

Brobbey’s immediate priority is recovering from his hamstring injury and returning to action for Sunderland.

Once fit, the battle for a Netherlands starting place will continue.

Meerdink can strengthen his case during Brobbey’s absence, while Xavi must decide exactly what profile he wants from his centre-forward.

For Brobbey, the simplest response is goals. If he continues producing at Premier League level after already hitting double figures for Sunderland, arguments over whether his style suits the Netherlands become considerably harder to sustain.

Perez may prefer finesse, but Brobbey can make himself impossible to ignore through performances.