World Cup
Ronald Waterreus praises Brian Brobbey's performance for Netherlands against Sweden
Ronald Waterreus has praised Brian Brobbey’s performance in the Netherlands’ 5-1 win over Sweden. The retired goalkeeper highlighted Brobbey’s physical presence and self-confidence during the match.
Brobbey scored twice against Sweden, but Waterreus emphasized the striker’s effort and resilience. ‘I love Brobbey,’ Waterreus wrote in his column for *De Limburger*. ‘Not just because he was one of the standout players for Oranje on Saturday. It’s his impressively strong physique, which he used to fend off Swedish players repeatedly. And above all, the self-confidence he radiates. Ask Brobbey if he wants to climb Mount Everest tonight, and he’ll probably reply: “Oh, fine.”’
Waterreus criticized the premature judgment of Brobbey’s single poor season at Ajax. ‘In the Netherlands, we tend to write off talents too early. Brobbey is a prime example. Before he moved from Ajax to Sunderland last summer, many of us were sure: “It won’t work out with that lad.” It likely didn’t help that reports emerged during his time in Amsterdam claiming he was being blackmailed by figures from the criminal underworld.’
The former goalkeeper of PSV, Rangers, Manchester City, and AZ believes Brobbey is Netherlands’ best striker at the World Cup. ‘You see what his winning mentality can achieve. Brobbey is by far the best striker in the Netherlands, far better than Memphis Depay, who again performed poorly on Saturday and should perhaps only have a ceremonial role in this tournament.’ He added that Brobbey embodies the swagger and passion Oranje displayed against Sweden, describing him as a player who can carry the team.