World Cup
Van Dijk praises Brobbey's display against Sweden as Oranje impress
Virgil van Dijk has praised Brian Brobbey’s performance in Oranje’s 5-1 win over Sweden, telling De the Sunderland striker is impossible to stop. Van Dijk, Oranje captain, faced Brobbey twice in Premier League duels this season and avoided direct challenges.
Brobbey started in attack against Sweden and took his chance immediately. After five minutes he opened the scoring, and within 17 minutes he completed his brace. The 24-year-old now looks set for a starting berth against Tunisia.
Van Dijk, who trains against Brobbey regularly, reiterated his admiration. “I never close him down quickly; I always read the situation. If the ball comes to him and he has you, you’re done. You’ll never get near him.” He added: “I try to read him and stay out of duels. In our games against Sunderland, Brian often targeted the other centre-back, Ibrahima Konaté.”
The Oranje captain highlighted Sweden’s struggles to contain Brobbey. “Sweden defended man-to-man and if you create space and the ball drops to Brobbey, you as a defender can’t reach him. He’s so strong. With runners on the flanks and support from midfield, we can make the difference.”
Teun Koopmeiners also lauded Brobbey’s impact. “Brian had me off the bench twice in the first quarter-hour. Exactly how we want to use him—dropping the ball onto him to lay off to teammates—he did brilliantly.” Koopmeiners, of Juventus, added: “Those two early goals after the draw with Japan were invaluable. Brian is so strong, and his finishing was outstanding. If he keeps this up, he’ll be vital for Oranje in this tournament.”