'That would be nice' - Brian Brobbey outlines target for next season amid 'best' Sunderland fans claim
Brian Brobbey has been speaking about his time at Sunderland so far...
Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey has spoken at length about his debut campaign in England, and has insisted that he still has levels left to reach at the Stadium of Light.
After arriving on deadline day of last summer’s transfer window, the Dutchman had to bide his time to establish himself on Wearside, but has since become one of the most impactful members of Regis Le Bris’ squad.
And despite ending the campaign as Sunderland’s top scorer, Brobbey has suggested that he still has plenty more to offer in the North East. Speaking to Dutch magazine Voetbal International, the 24-year-old initially opened up on life in the Premier League and his decision to sign for the Black Cats in the first place.
He said: “It is very tough, the Premier League. You have to be switched on every game. Even away at Burnley or Wolves, you can never relax. Everything is fast. I think that is the biggest change compared to the Netherlands. The intensity.
“I wanted a new challenge anyway, to step out of my comfort zone and do something new. English football suits me as well because there is a lot of speed and strength. But everyone is strong, so you also have to think. The biggest difference is that everything goes faster here, so you have to think better, also in your game. Not only holding off your man, but also running in behind, getting free.”
Turning his attention to his own personal development, Brobbey continued: “I started working with people on nutrition, I watch all my own footage back with someone and I am much more conscious of details like sleeping, recovering, and other things to prevent injuries.
“I am always working with the coaches on movement, positioning in front of goal, combination play, and recognising spaces. I think I am a little more complete now. I think there could have been more goals, because I still had a few chances. But if you look at where I came from, I think I developed myself well in that area too. If I can be involved in the whole preseason next year, I hope to reach double figures [for goals]. That would be nice.
“I play in the Premier League now. That is a world of difference compared to the Eredivisie. I have developed well and I think people can see that. I think this is just a very different Brian Brobbey than two years ago.”
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What else did Brian Brobbey say about his time at Sunderland so far?
Brobbey also took some time to reflect on Sunderland’s fanbase, and how he believes it measures up compared to the rest of the top flight. He added: “I have been to all the Premier League stadiums this season and I genuinely think we have the best fans. The atmosphere is top, top, top.
“Before that last match against Chelsea, when they started singing it, we were all so hyped. Then after the game, when we had reached Europe, it was really beautiful. This is really a big club.”
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