Freddie Simmonds has come through the Brighton youth academy and was on the bench in the Premier League for the first time against Leicester City.
The Englishman is only 17 years old but is highly rated by those inside and outside the club.
Simmonds grew up supporting the Seagulls and he said he must have been one of the first people on the pitch when they beat Wigan Athletic to secure promotion to the Premier League.
"Promotion and the day at Wembley for the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City are the best memories,” said Simmonds.
For the past 12 months, fans have been saying he is the one to succeed Lewis Dunk, but what can he bring? And where will he fit in?
VAVEL explores all here.
-
Club Career
Simmonds started his footballing journey as a child in Brighton's youth setup.
In the 2022/23 season he featured on the bench for the U18s at the age of 15.
But he was not given any time on the pitch.
However, the following season he was a regular fixture for the side.
He played 1,171 minutes across 14 games.
In the U18 Premier League he played 12 games and picked up one clean sheet.
And in the FA Youth Cup he played two games.
He also played 72 minutes in an U21s Premier League 2 win against Liverpool.
He helped his side to a 4-2 victory.
He also featured on the bench against Reading in the EFL Trophy at the AMEX Stadium.
This season he has been moved up to the U21s squad.
He has played 1,277 minutes across 17 games in the Premier League 2, in which he has scored one goal and kept four clean sheets.
His goal came in a one all draw with Arsenal.
And he kept his clean sheets against Nottingham Forest, Middlesbrough, Crystal Palace, and West Brom.
In the EFL Trophy he has played two games and narrowly lost both.
He also started in the U18s Third Round FA Youth Cup loss to Newcastle United.
And of course, on the 12th of April he was given a place on the bench against Leicester in the Premier League.
-
International Career
Despite his young age, Simmonds already has many international caps on his CV.
He made his England U16 debut on August 22, 2023, at the age of 15 years, five months, and 13 days.
In total, he played nine games.
In these nine games he scored against France and Belgium and kept clean sheets against Ireland, Sweden, and South Korea.
He also captained the side six times.
His debut was handed to him by Neil Ryan.
He made his England U17 debut on September 6, 2023, at the age of 15 years, five months, and 28 days.
He received 13 U17 caps in total.
In these games he scored against Portugal and Slovenia.
He also kept five clean sheets, which came against Mexico, Israel, Malta, Latvia, and Northern Ireland.
He captained the team three times.
And his debut was given to him by Greg Lincoln.
-
What can he bring to Brighton?
Simmonds is the definition of a modern-day defender.
He has everything you need to survive and thrive in the modern game.
He has all the defensive qualities, such as tackling, marking, strength, and heading.
And alongside that, he is also excellent on the ball with his passing and dribbling.
In terms of style and profile, he is similar to former Brighton loanee Levi Colwill.
If he can perform to the level as Colwill during his time on the South Coast, then Brighton have a serious talent on their books.
Simmonds himself has said he liked watching Dunk and that he is a very good role model.
The youngster has the same leadership skills as the Seagulls' captain.
He is still young, but he already has the maturity needed to be a key figure in any defensive line.
And if he is given the correct development pathway, there is no doubt he can become the next Lewis Dunk.
Usually, when English players are coming through academies, they are tried and tested in many different positions.
However, this is not the case with Simmonds.
Apart from a few games at right back, he has played all his games as a centre back.
Given his outstanding quality here and his best attributes, it is no surprise that this is how his development has gone.
Brighton have a lot of young talented players in many areas, but the one position they are seriously lacking in is centre back.
Dunk - a legend of course - is struggling to maintain the level needed to be a starting Premier League centre back.
Adam Webster has always been injury prone and inconsistent, and he only has 12 months left on his contract, so his time at the Albion could be up sooner rather than later.
Eiran Cashin is new to the league, so it is difficult to judge him at the moment.
Igor Julio has been solid when he has played, but he is prone to a lapse in concentration.
This leaves only Jan Paul van Hecke.
The Dutchman is the only central defender in the squad that has shown he is good enough to be first choice.
It is clear Brighton need defensive reinforcements in the summer.
The 17-year-old is seemingly a part of the first team for the final six games of the season, so he has an opportunity now to get into Fabian Hürzeler's mind and force his way into his plans.
It is likely new faces will come throw the door no matter how much he impresses for the remainder of the season, but if Simmonds is given a chance in pre-season and takes it, then there may well be a place in the squad for him next season.
One problem that could arise from him staying in the squad is a lack of minutes, which could hinder his development.
So, a loan is probably the best thing for him to make sure he gets consistent minutes.
Brighton are usually very good when it comes to youngster development and pathways.
And Simmonds is one they must make sure they get correct.
It does not seem unreasonable to suggest that he is a big part of the future of the club.
So, getting his development wrong could cause implication in the short and long-term plans.
But whatever happens, Simmonds is without a doubt one to look out for over the next few years at Brighton.
