A dominant Brighton side, albeit a heavily rotated one, overcame Oxford United 6-0 last night. Fabian Hurzeler appropriately made 6 changes to the team that were victims of Everton’s shiny new ground rampage. In fact, only four players from that squad had minutes last night. Kadioglu impressed, whilst Gomez was a threat in attack, grabbing himself a rather scrappy goal to add to his tally- quite contrary to the goal he scored at Tottenham away.
Jack Hinshelwood starred, whilst Carlos Baleba came off the bench at 3-0 up. A bit unfair, really. But enough about the current crop, we’re here today to talk about the lively debutants, rate their performances and discuss how they can impact the side. One by one…
Olivier Boscagli
Brought in on a free transfer from PSV Eindhoven, the experienced Frenchman had a productive first outing, scoring a goal on his first Albion appearance. Tidy in possession, looked to pass forward and break lines wherever physically possible. He reads the game well in defensive situations, picking up second/overhit balls. A natural leader, Olivier organised and spoke very well.
Next to a combative centre-back, like who I will talk about next, I believe we can really get the best out of, on paper, one of the best ball-playing defenders on the continent.
Diego Coppola
As far as debuting CB partnerships go, the pair did very well together. Big fan of Diego’s performance in particular. He has the natural presence you look for in a CB, whilst being calm and collected on the ball, once again looking to pass forward where possible. This was a big question of the Italian international, as he was playing in a very direct, long-balling Hellas Verona side last season.
In defensive scenarios, he was relaxed, in the right position, and seemed to have some nonchalance about him- very refreshing to see. As mentioned, combative and strong in a tackle, which statistically made Diego one of the best U21 performing CB’s last season- topping the charts for defensive statistics.
Charlie Tasker
As always, we want to see local lads in the first team. Sussex born and bred. He grabbed a photo after the game with his friends in the away end, a very wholesome moment and the true meaning of the beautful game.
Performance-wise, solid. Intelligent player, strong going forward, and he has a mean right foot on him. The more of these games he gets under his belt, the better. Analysing his academy performances, we can have a serious player on our hands.
Going back to the ‘local lads’ point- isn’t it just so good to see local boys breaking through? Jack Hinshelwood, Harry Howell and now Charlie Tasker. Simmonds will soon come. Brings a tear to your eye! Don’t forget Lewis Dunk and Solly March who helped pave the way for the new generation.
Charalampos ‘Babis’ Kostoulas
Great to finally see Babis make an appearance after his big-money move from Piraeus. Hailed as the greatest talent to ever come out of Greece. Went on holiday to Greece this summer, and representing Brighton, a lot of Greeks stopped and told me about Babis… just how good could he be?
One of their own, truly making it to the biggest stage, the Premier League.
But on his performance, unfortunately didn’t receive a lot of the ball; with that being said, he was bright and showed intent with the little he had. Kostoulas only recently turned 18, there is a LOT more to come. We will have to wait to see him, and time to settle for the young players is always important in the values of the club.
With his new chant and a Greek brother from another mother, he will thrive. Patience is a virtue.
Tommy Watson
Consider me impressed. First appearance since the playoff final, scoring a goal worthy of a playoff-winning strike. The technique was perfect, side-footed into the top corner of the net after Albion hunted in a pack to win the ball back and set up the England U19 international. Watson has shown on many occasions in the Sunderland ranks that he has a moment of brilliance in his locker, emphasised by that moment at Wembley.
His former Sunderland coaches explained his practice on the move, cutting in from the left and using his right foot to curl the ball into the far corner. We have seen exactly that already!
Apart from this, another encouraging young star. Direct, precise and full of promise. The second Mackem to grace this team alongside Jason Steele, the pair appear to have formed a Northern bond. But once again, like Babis and lots of our exciting young prospects, patience is required.
Stefanos Tzimas
Without doubt, the one I am most excited for following last night’s cameo’s. A lot can be learnt about Stefanos judging off his impressive performance. Saw a lot of the ball, grabbed himself two superbly taken goals- I haven’t felt this confident about a striker going through on goal since… a fresh-faced Evan Ferguson.
A lot of ‘Tzimilarities’ between them. Strong hold-up play and movement, good with a defender on his back and often was used as a bounce pass, for him to quickly sprint into the space in behind. Word for word how his first goal came about, picked out by an inch-perfect through ball from Joel Veltman.
Tzimas, bringing another bouncing new chant, was also strong, powerful and surprisingly very quick too. Arguably one of the most exciting prospects we’ve had at the club. hopefully in the short term, a LOT more to come from our Greek number 9.
BUT, 3/6 of these boys have been injured either in the last months of last season, or away on youth international duty. It may be a while before we properly see the Greeks and Tommy Watson feature in the Premier League, as Hurzeler stated in his post match interview last night:
“We have a little bit more flexibility now but they are still far away from a Premier league game it was a important debut for them. But it is only a first step and we have to take several steps with them.”
One last time, patience is a virtue with the new boys. But a very exciting sneak peak into what they can offer going forward!
