Brian Brobbey can be Sunderland’s 20-goal-a-season striker, his performance vs Newcastle deserves plaudits
Brian Brobbey scored the all-important goal as Sunderland secured a league double over Newcastle United.
Sunday’s clash at St James’ Park was a memorable one as Sunderland extended their unbeaten league run against their rivals to nine, with Chemsdine Talbi and Brobbey scoring the goals in a 2-1 win.
The scenes from the away end were sensational, as was the reaction to the win via social media, with plenty praising Brobbey for the way he put himself about.
Not only did Brobbey score the winning goal, but he bullied Newcastle’s entire backline throughout the game and again showed why he is more than capable at this level.
And the promising thing is that we have still not seen the best of him.
Just how good could Brian Brobbey be for Sunderland?
With six goals in 25 appearances, Brobbey’s record this season isnt exactly one to shout home about.
But there are several factors behind that which actually make it an impressive return for the Dutchman.
| Premier League | Brobbey |
| Starts | 15 |
| Goals | 6 |
| Chances created | 10 |
| Duels won | 84 |
Brobbey had no pre-season with the Black Cats, which immediately makes it harder to hit the ground running at a new club, especially in a new league in a new country.
However, his physicality has already showcased the level of quality he has to offer in the Premier League, and with chances presented to him, he will score them.
As showcased by the Sofascore graphic below, Brobbey has a 25 per cent conversion rate, which demonstrates the clinical nature he has in the penalty area.
He averages a goal every 230 minutes, and at that rate, he would typically finish a full season with just below 20 goals.
However, the fact that he averages just one shot per game showcases where Sunderland need to improve.
With a full pre-season and more quality around him in the final third, Brobbey is comfortably the type of striker that Sunderland have needed.
Sunderland still have a clear priority this summer
Brobbey has earned his place as Sunderland’s starting striker next season, and that is not in doubt.
However, if the Wearsiders are to progress, they need more quality around him, as well as other strikers who can take the pressure off him, which is something that Wilson Isidor and Elizer Mayenda have failed to do.
Signing someone to complement his style of play will be crucial in the summer transfer window, with another big recruitment push expected.
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