The Dutch media’s perception of Brian Brobbey is shifting fast. Once dismissed as another Ajax prospect who failed to deliver, the Sunderland striker is now earning serious praise — and even being tipped for a place at the 2026 World Cup.
According to Soccer News, former Netherlands star Rafael van der Vaart has lauded Brobbey’s recent form in England, describing him as “a strong option” for the national team if he continues his progress at the Stadium of Light.
The 23-year-old forward joined Sunderland on deadline day in a move that initially raised eyebrows across the Netherlands. Few expected him to swap Amsterdam for Wearside, and early reactions questioned whether it was a step down. But a goal against Arsenal at the weekend and a growing role under Régis Le Bris have started to change that narrative.
Brobbey finding his feet in England
Brobbey’s late equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal was his first goal for Sunderland since arriving in the summer. It capped a promising spell that has seen him register one goal and one assist in just 106 minutes of football, largely as a substitute behind Wilson Isidor.
Van der Vaart’s column in De Telegraaf struck a notably positive tone compared to earlier Dutch commentary:
“If Brobbey gets through at Sunderland – he’s been important to that team recently – then he’s not a bad option as an extra striker at the World Cup,” Van der Vaart wrote. “It didn’t work out at Ajax, but now look at what he’s doing at Sunderland. And just try playing against him as a defender. Not one of them enjoys being man-marked by him.”
The former Real Madrid playmaker even recalled Brobbey’s impressive display against Germany in a past international: “How well he played against such strong defenders back then was bizarre.”
From Ajax doubts to international potential
Brobbey’s time at Ajax was turbulent, featuring injuries and inconsistent selection that often made him a target for criticism. His move to the Premier League initially appeared risky, but Sunderland’s fast-paced, physical approach has suited his style.
Now, with Van der Vaart championing his progress and Dutch analysts softening their tone, Brobbey’s national prospects may no longer be so far-fetched — especially given the Netherlands’ limited striker pool behind Memphis Depay and Wout Weghorst.
| Stat (2025/26) | Brian Brobbey |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 8 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Minutes Played | 106 |
| Shots on Target per game | 1.7 |
source: Sofascore data – 12 November 2025
Those short bursts of impact underline his growing influence — and why Sunderland fans are beginning to see him as a potential starter rather than a rotation player.
Our View: Brobbey’s redemption arc gaining real traction
In our view, Brobbey’s move to Sunderland could become one of the smartest rehabilitation stories of the season. The Premier League’s intensity has forced him to rediscover his physical edge, and his performances show renewed confidence. If he continues adding goals, national coach Ronald Koeman may be tempted to include him as a depth striker ahead of 2026.
Brobbey’s story mirrors that of several Dutch forwards who had to rebuild abroad — and the current tone from pundits suggests belief is returning. Sunderland, meanwhile, look to have landed a player whose ceiling remains far higher than many assumed in August.
Key Insights
- Rafael van der Vaart believes Brian Brobbey could make the 2026 World Cup squad.
- Brobbey has one goal and one assist in just 106 minutes for Sunderland.
- The striker’s performances have shifted Dutch media opinion.
- Sunderland’s physical style appears to suit him better than Ajax’s setup.
- The Netherlands still lack depth behind Memphis Depay and Wout Weghorst.
What’s Next
Sunderland play away at Fulham after the international break, where Brobbey is expected to earn more minutes. Continued impact could see him start regularly before Christmas — and perhaps force Koeman to take notice when squad selections resume in spring 2026.
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