Several Sunderland stars will prepare for this summer’s World Cup finals after Sunday’s home game with Premier League rivals Chelsea.

One integral member of the Sunderland squad has been told he should play a key role for his country at this summer’s World Cup finals in North America.

A number of Black Cats stars are expected to feature throughout the tournament as they will head across the Atlantic in good heart after helping Sunderland enjoy what has been an incredible return to the Premier League. The impact Brian Brobbey has made since moving to Wearside from Dutch giants Ajax during the summer transfer window as the powerful striker has proven to be a handful to top flight defences during his first season at the Stadium of Light.

A goalscoring record of seven goals in 31 appearances ahead of Sunday’s final game of the season against Chelsea only tells half of the story when it comes to the transformative impact Brobbey has made on the Sunderland frontline - and his performances have been rewarded with a place in the Netherlands World Cup squad. He will compete with the likes of Memphis Depay and Donyell Malen for a place in Ronald Koeman’s starting eleven - and Dutch pundit Wilfred Genee believes the Sunderland man should get the edge.

He told Voetbal Primeur: “He is incredibly lean and fit. Would he be a viable option as the Netherlands’ starting striker? Absolutely. We’ve never seen him look like this during his time at Ajax. He’s also scoring quite consistently in the Premier League. Would you actually go for it at the World Cup?”

Fellow pundit Rene van der Gijp answered: “Well, Brobbey and Malen, I do think Koeman will end up taking Memphis along. But then, for five weeks straight, the conversation will revolve around. Is he fit? Can he play? How long can he play? Can he start or will he have to come off the bench? What a hassle, man. Especially when you see those images of Brobbey. I wouldn’t hesitate for a second when choosing between a one hundred percent-fit Brobbey and a physically struggling Memphis.”

Your next Sunderland read: 14 leave, 10 in talks, 56 stay - Sunderland retained list predicted amid transfer and contract decisions