The Albion.
Pure Emotion
Look, I like to think of myself as level-headed and largely unbiased when I write football-related articles.
When I think Brighton will lose, I'll say it. When I think a certain player could do better, I'll mention it. When putting a small spherical ball into a wide net feels as difficult as lifting up the earth, again, I'll acknowledge it.
But this one time, and just this one time, I'm going to allow myself a little bit of leeway.
Because, and I cannot overstate this enough, what a win.
Jan Paul van Hecke
Pep started off his pre-match presser praising Brighton. When Pep praises you in that manner, it's because he KNOWS his side can—and probably will—beat you.
So, to go from that to Pep arguing with Jan Paul van Hecke after the match... Praise of the highest order, if you ask me. If Pep looks visibly shaken and not his usual confident self after facing you... yeah, you've won in life.
I seriously love Jan Paul van Hecke. He has everything you want in a CB: brilliant with the ball at his feet, beyond excellent at tackles and duels, can win headers, has a presence on the field, is a natural leader, and is a genuinely solid human being.
I’ve said this many times, but it’s true: van Hecke is excellent at his job and does so without a fuss.
Captain material.
Fabian Hürzeler
Fabian Hürzeler said he doesn’t want Brighton to be known as 'Little Brighton' in his pre-match presser. Post-match, and I think Brighton are a little bit more than that.
What a special, special manager we have in Hürzeler. I’m sure he’s tired of people mentioning it, but HOW is he only 31?!
Brilliant orator, very astute tactician, learning the ropes around in-game management but doing so quickly, well-versed in mind games…
For example—a reporter asked Hürzeler about van Hecke; he had a great game, after all. Hürzeler took this as an opportunity to not only acknowledge van Hecke but to praise Igor. Igor had a few messy weeks prior to the last couple, including some media adversity, so to go the extra distance for his players like this is so, so nice.
Coach second. Human first. That’s what it should be, and that’s what Hürzeler makes it look like.
Ah, Fabian. Words don’t do you justice.
João Pedro
Only know you love her when you let her go?
Well, clichés and heartbreak aside, I didn’t realise how much Brighton missed João Pedro until we couldn’t watch him week in, week out.
He’s genuinely a world-class attacker. I’ll maintain this view that he’s one of the best attackers in the PL for as long as it’s true—he can comfortably play in 5 positions, ridiculous OOP, and excellent going forward.
What more can you want? Wanting anything more is simply pure, unadulterated greed.
This is what Hürzeler had to say on João Pedro post-match:
Yeah he makes a difference. I think every premier league club has this one player who makes the special things, and I think he’s exactly that player for us.
And he’s not only a great player, he’s also a great leader—you know, I think we underestimate him a little bit regarding leader skills—he’s a great leader, he’s very demanding—he demands a lot from his teammates, he always sets the standards really high, and I think he’s a big role model for all the young players.
Matt O’Riley
I’m not going to profess to being a Matt O’Riley expert. But I do know enough, and the way he took his goal today…
Why am I not surprised that this fella had 31 G+A for Celtic in 37 appearances?
That sentence should simply not be possible. But it is.
And I can’t even imagine the headache this gives Hürzeler. Granted, it’s the best kind of headache—like one you get from a brain freeze—but Brighton’s midfield is chock-full of brilliant midfielders.
Carlos Baleba (ohmygod Baleba’s the best player I’ve ever seen)
João Pedro
Mats Wieffer
Matt O’Riley
Georginio
Julio Enciso
Jack Hinshelwood
Yasin Ayari
Brajan Gruda
Sergio Gomez (January)
Malick Yalcouyé (Summer)
I laughed out loud. This is unbelievable.
Anyway, here’s Matt O’Riley struggling with the ole as his Celtic ninetoes muscle memory kicks in. What fun:
Carlos Baleba
I’ve praised Carlos Baleba a lot in my time. I’m running out of praise.
Haha, I’m just kidding. No, but seriously (very Frank Lampard-esque), while I am actually running out of plaudits for Baleba, coming up with new ones isn’t hard.
He. Is. Just. That. Good.
There’s nothing he can’t do. Need someone to win a tackle? Win a duel? Carry the ball like an absolute madman? Score goals? Win headers? Dribble his way out of awkward situations? Hell, I’m half tempted to say: skydive? Fly? Shoot lasers out of his eyes?
Because he could probably do that too.
In fact, here’s Matt O’Riley’s (ole 🕺) thoughts on Carlos:
Yeah he's... strong [laughs], to put it simply he is an absolute beast. I've obviously had the chance to watch him play before coming, and for me, able to play alongside someone like that is actually just... nice, cause he just smashes everyone and makes my life quite easy.
Carlos Baleba. It’s always Carlos Baleba. It’ll always be Carlos Baleba.
If you know, you know. If not, follow me on Twitter @FPL_Instinctive (that’s far too shameless, my apologies).
Bart Verbruggen
Verbruggen is going to be the best goalkeeper in the world. Hürzeler said Verbruggen reminds him of Neuer, and honestly, I agree—at least in terms of potential.
Spectacular with his feet, lightning reflexes, brilliant at claiming cross, efficient at sweeping his lines, and a very good shot-stopper. Absolute gem.
He seems like a good character too, which is just what you need in a goalkeeper. Cool, calm, collected, fun, and a leader.
This is the Dutch #1 we’re talking about, after all.
What a guy.
Conclusion
I could go on and on—and will soon—but I’ll end this here. A little more impromptu and emotion-driven, but I mean everything I said, except for some obvious hyperbole (please don’t try skydiving, Carlos).
I’ll have a few more articles on the other side of the international break discussing some of Brighton’s players in detail, as well as their FPL implications, and, of course, the preview of Bournemouth (A).
Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed. Have a great week ahead, and take care.