Rafael Van der Vaart names Brian Brobbey as Netherlands ideal striker for 2026 World Cup

Dutch football icon Rafael Van der Vaart has expressed his preference for Brian Brobbey as the striker for the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup.

Brobbey, who has Ghanaian roots was included in the Netherlands squad for the current international break, marking his return to the team after a year absence.

The 24-year-old striker made substitute appearance, lasting twenty minutes as Netherlands cruised to a 2-1 victory over Norway last Friday in an international friendly match.

Brobbey, who is the books of Sunderland is expected to be handed a starting role when the side takes on Ecuador on Tuesday.

Speaking on NOS Studio Voetbal, the former Tottenham Hotpsur and Real Madrid star, who made 109 appearances for the Netherlands is backing Brobbey to lead the line at the World Cup.

“Who is the ideal striker right now?” Van der Vaart began. “I believe, and I mean that seriously, I believe in Brobbey.”

“I saw him play against Germany last year, and I know it was a friendly, but he played incredibly well then. Now he has gone to England and he is doing well there too. If he is really in top form, then he is the ideal striker for me,” said Van der Vaart.

The former Ajax star has been outstanding for Sunderland in the current football campaign, scoring seven goals and providing an assists in 27 appearances across competitions.