Brighton predicted lineup for 2023-24 season

Published at :August 12, 2023 at 2:26 PM

Modified at :January 13, 2024 at 5:41 PM

De Zerbi might have a hard task ahead of him in setting the XI

The Premier League returns! The first fixture of the game week 1 was held in the late Friday kickoff. Now, we are off to the weekend match-ups. One of the exciting teams to watch this season are the Seagulls from Brighton. Well, they have looked more threatening since Graham Potter’s era there. But Roberto De Zerbi has taken the mantle right off his predecessor the way everyone wanted him to.

In the last season, Brighton finished 6th in the league, gaining Europa League qualification. With more games to play this season, the Seagulls have strengthened their squad this summer. And more players might come into the squad to balance out the hit done by the outgoing players. On the basis of the players currently there in the squad, here is a potential XI that Brighton could field in most of their games of the new season.

Jason Steele- Goalkeeper

The variety of skills in goalkeepers according to the demands, explains why 32-year-old Jason Steele is now making Robert De Zerbi trust in him. He emerged as a key player for the Brighton team last season. Initially a backup, Steele’s strong FA Cup performances, and Sanchez’s struggles led to a change. Steele even provided an assist for a goal, a rare feat for goalkeepers, highlighting his versatility. Trust in him built so much so that Brighton weren’t afraid to sell their coveted No.1 keeper, Robert Sanchez. Now, with the new season already started it is safe to say that Steele will continue as their new custodian.

Pervis Estupinan- Left Back

At 25, Pervis Estupiñán has established himself as one of the Premier League’s top left-backs and a key player at the Amex. He might not be the fastest, but his quick acceleration and strong upper body make it hard for opponents to shrug me off. The Ecuadorian has regularly played as a left-back under De Zerbi, contributing 1 goal and 6 assists in 33 matches last season. He excels in attack and defense. After Cucurella, Bissouma, Caicedo, and Ben White, he could be Brighton’s next big superstar with an underdog story just waiting to get picked by big clubs.

Lewis Dunk- Centre Back

Lewis Dunk remains Brighton’s cornerstone with over 400 appearances, since his debut back in 2010. The last season was some ride for the 31-year-old defender. He re-entered the England team after an injury in 2018 sidelined him from the national side. Putting in performances for the Seagulls, week in and week out, he proved his mettle to Gareth Southgate.

He also helped the Albion reach the Europa League with a sixth-place finish. Finally, now, Dunk has extended his contract until 2026 with a series of overwhelming performances under coach Roberto De Zerbi, who praised the move.

Adam Webster- Centre Back

Adam Webster, a 28-year-old English center-back, now has the chance to partner with compatriot and captain Dunk in defence. With Levi Colwill gone, it’s likely to be Dunk and Webster as the main duo. However, De Zerbi might try something new, something out of the box per se. But it’s not necessary because Webster is as composed on the ball as they come. He averaged 63 passes with an 88% success rate last season. Plus, his age gives him those legs over Dunk, if need be in situations. Hence, adding good chemistry, on top of a decent balance of youth and experience at the back.

Pascal Gross- Right Back

Ever since his move to Brighton from Germany, Gross has aced in all of the major areas to outshine the competition and fight his way to the top. Now, he sits there in the squad as a key cog. Last season, it was evident from a few games he did not feature in. This is because Gross has shifted his style recently, playing deeper and controlling the game from the back.

He is what you call in modern-day a ‘driver of the game’. His versatility is impressive but often overlooked. Last season he played in midfield and as a right-back/wing-back. This flexibility is valuable for coaches like Roberto De Zerbi- who will need one of the best players to fill in as a right-back for the majority of this season.

Billy Gilmour- Defensive Midfielder

How many Premier League clubs with European qualification, like Brighton, have a young and inexperienced player in that crucial position just in front of the defence? One such player is Billy Gilmour. He’s still learning and has a lot of potential. But things weren’t easy for him. He came to Brighton from Chelsea because of Graham Potter, who then went on to manage Chelsea.

Under De Zerbi, Billy didn’t get a lot of playing time. He was 22 at that time. But he made the most of the chances he got. Now, in the upcoming season, he has a better chance of playing regularly in the team’s formation with 2 pivot midfielders.

Mahmoud Dahoud- Defensive Midfielder

Mahmoud Dahoud is revered in Dortmund for his game sense and work-rate, at such young age. Now, a Brighton, it is clear that he is a statement signing in the middle of the park. Alongside Billy Gilmour, in a double-pivot midfield formation, Dahoud can really unlock his full potential under De Zerbi.

Albeit the Italian gaffer will have to show a lot of trust from early. Additionally, the midfielder also brings with him a repertoire of skills matched with European experience. With the Seagulls set to play in the UEFA Europa League this season, this experience might come into use in the later stages.

Kaoru Mitoma- Left Midfielder

The Japanese wing of Brighton, Kaoru Mitoma, has already expressed his desire to come out all fresh, revamped, and all guns blazing in the new season. He even shone at the Qatar World Cup 2022, with Japan’s heroic side. Chiefly, it was since then that Mitoma got exceeding attention. Consequently, he was honoured to repay all the hype surrounding him with a series of strong performances.

In the 2022-23 season, he contributed 12 goals for Brighton in the league. Meanwhile, one of his unforgettable performances from last season surely includes his electric performance against Liverpool in the Cup competition. His goal even knocked the Reds out of the competition.

Brighton predicted lineup for 2023-24 season — **Brighton predicted lineup for the 2023-24 season**

Julio Enciso- Attacking Midfielder

Julio Enciso, a 19-year-old Paraguayan, was one of the bright stars in a relatively dull Premier League last season. Among players with at least 600 minutes, he ranked third in shots (4.3) and dribbles (7.2), the best among Brighton’s squad. He wowed with his skills, catching coach Roberto De Zerbi’s eye. Enciso’s right foot amazed with both simple and spectacular moves, evident in goals like his 30-yard screamer against Chelsea. He repeated this brilliance against Manchester City, earning him the Match of the Day’s Goal of the Season award. The future looks bright for this rising star.

Solly March- Right Midfielder

Brighton will see an increased number of games as they look all set to go into the later stages of the Europa League. This is where players like Solly March could come in handy. Providing an extra pair of legs for the variety of competitions the team might face in. March has recently extended his contract with the club, further solidifying his position in the squad. He has over 260 appearances for the club, and says that the UEFA Europa League qualification with the club is his best achievement yet!

Joao Pedro- Striker

Joao Pedro Brighton — **Pedro joined Brighton from Watford this summer**

Joao Pedro could find success with Brighton, following the path of other talented young players like Evan Ferguson, Julio Enciso, and Facundo Buonanotte. He handles the ball skillfully, knows how to score, and has gotten better at heading. Fans and experts expect him to improve his game awareness, knowing his position on the field and when to pass the ball quickly, either with one touch or two touches.

If he adds these skills, he’s likely to make history with his new club. De Zerbi’s squad was lacking an out-and-out striker. Hence, Joao Pedro’s signing means that they will try to make him central to the attack in the new season.

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