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Former Sunderland defender Darren Williams praised striker Brian Brobbey after his decisive impact in a 2-1 Premier League win over Crystal Palace. Speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle, Williams highlighted Brobbey’s physicality, mobility and composure as key traits that give Sunderland a different attacking option. The result lifted the Black Cats to ninth in the table after 22 games.
Williams says Brobbey’s strength and running add new edge for Sunderland
Darren Williams singled out Brian Brobbey for special praise after Sunderland’s 2-1 Premier League win over Crystal Palace, saying the striker’s performance showed the value of giving certain forwards sustained time in the side. The victory lifted Sunderland to ninth in the table after 22 games, with Williams pointing to Brobbey’s all-round display as a significant factor in the result.
Speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle, the former Black Cats defender said Brobbey’s blend of physicality, mobility and composure offers Sunderland a different attacking dimension. Williams said Brobbey can hold the ball up, secure possession and still threaten in behind, adding that the striker’s presence causes opponents problems in multiple ways.
Williams compared Brobbey’s profile to other attacking options in the squad, stressing it was not a criticism but a recognition of contrasting strengths. “He looked big and strong. No disrespect to the other guys – they’re a different type of player – but you know he’ll hold it for you, secure it, and he can also run. He does cause a lot of problems,” Williams said.
Williams also suggested Brobbey has benefited from being given a longer opportunity in the team after previously making an impact as a substitute. “He needed a run in the team. He was coming on in games and still being effective but we were just thinking: ‘If we get him on for the 90 minutes, how effective is he going to be?’” Williams said.
With competition for places described as intense, Williams said performances like Brobbey’s raise standards throughout the squad. “The competition for places is brilliant and I think it’s spurring everybody on to do better and better and better,” he said.
