Brighton & Hove Albion won a lot of admirers when they finished in sixth place during the 2022-23 season and sealed European qualification for the first time in their history.
This was largely down to the exciting brand of football under manager Roberto De Zerbi who continued from where previous manager Graham Potter left off.
Afrosport reviews how the 2023-24 season was for the Seagulls.
Overall Review
The 2023-24 season has not particularly been to the high standards of the pervious one Brighton set and this is due to injuries hitting many key players in different positions.
This greatly hindered form and results but the Seagulls never deviated from their possession-based style of play and are in the race to finish in the top half of the table which will be a big achievement considering the injuries that plagued the team.
Unsung Hero
Lewis Dunk
The English defender has been one of the fit players throughout the course of the season, featuring in virtually every game and showing solid leadership qualities as captain.
Without Dunk’s presence, Brighton might have been worse off especially at the back. However his consistency shows that he is an indispensable asset for a club that is known to sell its players for big profit.
Manager
Roberto De Zerbi
The Italian tactician has won the hearts of fans both for Brighton and neutrals owing to the exciting brand of football he brought when he replaced Potter in September 2022.
It led him to being nominated for the Premier League manager of the season in 2022-23 and his stock has not fallen despite Brighton’s struggle with form on the pitch the following campaign.
In fact, he was heavily linked with the Liverpool manager’s job vacated by Jurgen Klopp at the end of the season but will most likely see that taken by Feyenoord boss Arne Slot.
This speaks volumes of how highly-rated De Zerbi is.
Possible areas for reinforcement
Brighton oozes with young talent in all departments which makes them a joy to watch.
Experience is however lacking in the squad and they could do well by purchasing some established names still at their prime.
They do have the likes of Danny Welbeck, James Milner and Adam Lallana but these are not the kind of players that can feature on a regular basis.
Tactical selection options
Start one: Simon Adingra
Bench one: Kaoru Mitoma
Sell one: Ansu Fati
