Sunderland can be 'a match for anyone' in the Premier League - on one condition
Former Manchester City and England goalkeeper Joe Hart has assessed Sunderland’s squad.
Sunderland have been told the one player within their squad can make them ‘a match for anyone’ in the Premier League.
The Black Cats are sitting in the relegation zone as the league action gives way to the second international break of the season after winning just two of their first ten games of the season. However, they go into the two-week break on a high after Enzo Le Fee’s first-half penalty was enough to see off Chelsea and give Regis Le Bris’ men maximum reward for a performance full of energy and intensity at the Stadium of Light.
One of the features of the win was the performance of striker Brian Brobbey as he celebrated his new Black Cats deal by giving Chelsea defenders a torrid afternoon. It was the former Ajax frontman that played a lead role in winning the penalty that ultimately decided the contest as he tussled with England international Levi Colwill before going down in the visitors area.
The game was just another example of why Brobbey, who has withdrawn from international duty with the Netherlands in recent days, has become one of the most awkward strikers to face for Premier League centre-backs and former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart believes his Black Cats team-mates will appreciate the benefits provided by their leading frontman.
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Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, the former England goalkeeper said: "A strong number nine is one of my favourite team-mates. I think there's nothing better than seeing them come up against a good centre-back, a battle.
"I think Sunderland know when they have Brobbey on the pitch, they are a match for anyone. And that raises the standards of everyone else. I think when he catches fire, other players know they will get chances than they may not necessarily get. He is the kind of player I would want in my team and the kind of player if I lined up against, I would be so aware of."
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