Premier League team guide: Brighton in the spotlight

Brighton successfully avoided the drop once again last season — now they have their sights set on a comfortable mid-table finish this time around.

Evolution rather than revolution is the order of the day after a campaign in which the Seagulls dominated matches without always putting their opponents to the sword.

A handful of new additions could see Graham Potter’s side become a force to be reckoned with in 2021-22. 

Last season

The Seagulls were among the division’s most creative sides last term but were let down by an inability to turn opportunities into goals.

Only seven teams in the Premier League created more chances (9.45 per 90 minutes) than Brighton and they were also inside the division’s top seven sides for shots attempted (12.82 per 90).

But the South Coast outfit’s poor finishing saw them sucked into a relegation battle for much of the campaign — their total of 41 league goals was well below the 51.6 expected goals (xG) for the season.

A six-game unbeaten run in January and February — including an FA Cup win over Blackpool — proved to be a turning point, while back-to-back victories over Southampton and Newcastle in March were key to securing survival and finishing 16th in the table. 

New faces

Brighton fans will be keen to see what Enock Mwepu can do in the Premier League following his arrival from Red Bull Salzburg on a four-year deal.

The versatile 23-year-old can operate across the midfield and is nicknamed The Computer because of his impressive reading of the game.

Former Ajax stopper Kjell Scherpen, 21, will increase competition in the goalkeeping department, while Japanese winger Kaoru Mitoma, 24, is expected to join from Kawasaki Frontale before being loaned out.

The priority before the transfer window slams shut will be to sign a first-class striker and replace Ben White, with Liverpool centre-back Nathaniel Phillips, 24, one potential name in the frame.

The line-up

3-4-2-1: Sanchez; Veltman, Dunk, Webster; Lamptey, Lallana, Bissouma, March; Trossard, Welbeck; Maupay.

Few managers rotate tactics and personnel more than Potter, who rarely names the same starting line-up twice and is constantly shifting shape to outwit his opponents.

With a versatile squad and a coach happy to utilise players out of position, that is unlikely to change this season.

But new additions could bring some consistency to the team. 

A natural left-back and a proven striker are likely to replace Solly March and Neal Maupay in the XI if Brighton are able to get deals over the line.

Star man: Robert Sanchez

Robert Sanchez enjoyed a remarkable rise to prominence in 2020-21 after starting the season as back-up to Mat Ryan.

He usurped the Australian stopper in mid-December and has not looked back — winning rave reviews for his performances between the sticks and even being called up to the Spain squad for Euro 2020.

A save percentage of 71.3% was the eighth best in the top flight last season, while only three goalkeepers conceded less times than the 23-year-old (one goal per 90).

Up-and-comer: Tariq Lamptey

Tariq Lamptey took the Premier League by storm in the early stages of last season.

He nailed down the right-back slot with a series of scintillating displays before a hamstring injury sidelined him for the second half of the campaign. 

But big things will be expected of the former Chelsea man, 20, when he makes his comeback. 

With incredible speed and sublime dribbling ability, the 5ft 5in dynamo’s return could be a transformative moment for the men from the Amex Stadium. 

The boss: Graham Potter

After successfully transforming Brighton into a ball-playing outfit while keeping them in the top flight for the past two seasons, Potter’s stock has never been higher.

The 46-year-old is viewed as one of the most intelligent and tactically astute coaches in England, so it is no surprise he was linked with the Tottenham job earlier this summer.

After achieving unparalleled success in Sweden with Ostersunds FK and getting Swansea punching above their weight, the Solihull-born boss continues to enhance his reputation.

If he can get the Seagulls pushing for the top half of the table this season, it might not be long until the big boys come calling once again.

All information correct as of midday, August 2, 2021