Brian Brobbey offers glimpse at what to expect as Sunderland plan evolves
Brian Brobbey has been a star for Sunderland since his move from Ajax.
Joining for £17.2million last summer, the Dutchman would score seven goals and lay on one assist for the Black Cats.
This record does not immediately jump out, but his overall impact proved magnificent in the Premier League.
With physical attributes unmatched elsewhere in the Premier League, Brobbey tormented defences week in and week out.
Earning a place in the Netherlands squad ahead of the World Cup, the 24-year-old was handed the chance to impress on the biggest stage.
And in the most recent clash with Sweden, Brobbey most certainly did that.
Brian Brobbey stars as Sweden dispatched with ease
After drawing 2-2 against Japan in their opening match, the Dutch were in need of all three points as they took on Sweden in Houston.
With Brobbey back in the side, he started through the middle, pushing Donyell Malen out to the right flank in a huge 5-1 win.
And with a natural centre-forward on the field, Ronald Koeman's side looked a completely different outfit to the one seen in Dallas last Sunday.
Linking well with Cody Gakpo on one side, and Crysencio Summerville on the other in the second half, he would create two chances, while winning both duels in the air - being dispossessed just once from 16 touches.
In one of the sides expected to reach the latter stages of the World Cup, Brobbey would allow those around him to shine, while his impact in the box was well and truly felt.
How will Sunderland evolve with Brian Brobbey?
In a side playing on the counter in the Premier League last term, Brobbey shone, with his physical attributes proving vital.
But, as Sunderland progress in the top flight, Regis Le Bris will be keen to develop his side into a more dominant one, capable of playing with more of the ball, rather than as the underdogs.
If Brobbey's performances for his national team have taught Le Bris anything, it is that he is absolutely capable of performing in such a system.
In a Dutch side who kept the ball well, Brobbey stayed close to goal, and provided the perfect link between the wide players, as well as the midfield.
All of this was possible, while he still remained an immovable target in the box.
Alongside his known physical attributes, Brobbey put it all together for the Dutch, and this should be built around as the Black Cats aim to develop into a more dominant side in the coming term.