Brighton & Hove Albion have fared pretty well this campaign after their promotion to the Premier League. Chris Hughton’s side are currently placed 12th on the leaguer table with 34 points from 38 games and have a good chance of surviving the drop.
However, they can’t be complacent. The 40-point mark isn’t far now and here are three players who are going to be crucial for them in the remaining games to cement their status as a top division club for another season.
#3 Pascal Gross
Having arrived from Ingolstadt, Pascal Gross has made a significant impact under Hughton. Gross has offered his offensive prowess and has been Brighton & Hove Albion’s creative engine in the final third more often than not.
So far this season, the 26-year-old has plundered 5 goals and 8 assists in 30 Premier League appearances, which is pretty impressive for a newcomer to the league.
He has shown his versatility, operating effectively as a central midfielder, central attacking midfielder as well as a striker. Hughton will be hoping that he continues to dazzle in the coming weeks.
#2 Lewis Dunk
The Seagulls have some tough fixtures ahead as they are due to face some big sides like Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester City, Liverpool and Manchester United and there is no denying that their defence will be tested.
Lewis Dunk has started every game under Hughton this season and he needs to marshal the back four. He is going to be a key figure at the back in the business end of the season. The centre-back has mustered 1.8 tackles, 1.8 interceptions, 5.8 clearances and 1.6 blocks per game on an average this season.
Dunk has been exceptional in the air, has read the game pretty well and needs to maintain the same consistency in the coming weeks.
#1 Anthony Knockaert
Brighton & Hove Albion winger, Anthony Knockaert, was a pivotal figure in the Championship last season and helped his side earn a promotion to the Premier League. However, he struggled initially in the top flight after the injury that he sustained in the pre-season and hasn’t had the impact many expected him to make.
Although he has featured regularly, he has not been able to fire on all cylinders. In 27 league appearances, he has scored just 3 goals and has registered merely one assist.
Nonetheless, Hughton trusts the 26-year-old and perhaps a strong finish will set him up nicely for next season.
Statistics Credits: Whoscored