Brighton are playing some of the most lethal football they have ever played at the top level of the game. 12 goals in the past three away matches, 14 goals in the last four games, and according to Albion Analytics; scoring in 10 of their last 14, with a current ‘outscoring aggregate’ [which is a scoreline of goals, in a scored to conceded ratio] of 29-22, scored three or more goals in seven matches, with 10 different goalscorers. These attacking stats are simply no joke, but equally no surprise and a sensationally in-form Middlesborough are the latest victims to the tactical mastermind of the new Italian boss. A comprehensive 5-1 victory was more than enough to ease the Seagulls into the next round of the FA Cup.

  • Ecuadorian Excellence...

 

Pervis Estupiñan signed for Brighton in the summer of 2022, for a fee of around £17m from Villarreal. Despite the slightly shaky start, the quality of the Ecuadorian was clear to see from day one. Albion sold Marc Cucurella for a record-breaking £60m+ fee, who became the most expensive left-back in football history – it begged the question of whether Albion would cope without the Spaniard. Estupiñan, though, performed strongly on the biggest stage of them all, in the World Cup in Qatar a few weeks ago. Once again, the quality was evident, as he performed well with Moisés Caicedo and Jeremy Sarmiento for Ecuador.

Estupiñan had another great game against Middlesborough, shortly after a fine performance in the league at Everton, in the 4-1 win for Albion. He accumulated an assist to the world-class back-heel of World Cup winner, Alexis Mac Allister - his opening goal of a quality brace on his return to the scoresheet for the Seagulls. As mentioned before, his link-up on the left side has become a trademark and a key factor in De Zerbi’s style of play. Estupiñan has a remarkable ability to ‘pass through the lines’ and cut passes through defences, to open up opportunities for the attackers. Kaoru Mitoma and Levi Colwill provide a collaborative benefit, with Mitoma’s sensational dribbling ability, and Colwill’s composure and weight of passing, Estupiñan and Colwill are able to get very high, allowing Mitoma more freedom in his one-on-ones, isolating defenders.

 

VAVEL spoke to Roberto De Zerbi about this link-up in the week, prior to the Middlesborough fixture, he said: “If the build-up is clear, the ball for Mitoma, for March, Sarmiento, Lallana, Trossard, Welbeck... for Ferguson! The ball will be easy to play, one-on-one to try to shoot and to play – show their attacking quality.”

The Albion boss also spoke about both Estupiñan, and Mitoma, as he claims the latter has surprised him... “Pervis, he's playing well, very well, but I think he can progress a lot in possession [and] in the defensive phase, to play with more attention and to play with more quality in more possession. But he is a very good guy, he wants to improve, learn, and work. It is very important for us. With Mitoma, he is playing fantastic games and scoring a lot of goals. I didn’t think Mitoma can play like these performances– he really is a great player.”

The philosophy is exciting for Brighton fans, and despite having such a short space of time to implement, is only bound to get better.