Brighton & Hove Albion enjoyed the best season in their 122-year history, finishing three places higher in the English top flight than they’ve ever achieved before. The sixth position in the 2022/23 season guaranteed them a place in the Europa League group stage.
Despite a surprise managerial change early in the season, Brighton achieved stability under the management of Roberto de Zerbi. The decision to appoint De Zerbi was a masterstroke; the Italian gradually adapted to the Premier League and made them a more vibrant version of Potter’s team—braver in and out possession, quicker overloads, intensity in midfield and more fluid.
The Seagulls aced on many occasions against clubs within the so-called Big Six this past season, and De Zerbi and co. can now look forward to testing themselves against some of the big teams on the European stage as they plot to compete in four competitions in the 2023/24 campaign.
In Brighton’s best season in the top flight, many top performers caught the eye and elevated their games to newer heights under De Zerbi. On that note, let us take a look at their 3 best players from the past season.
#Moises Caicedo
One of Brighton’s standout performers, Moises Caicedo has been a vital cog in the engine room and has quickly developed into one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League. He is an excellent reader of the game, tackler and ball winner, as well as possesses the quality to pick out his teammates from the middle of the park.
At the age of just 21, the Ecuador international has looked like a seasoned campaigner and also showed his versatility towards the fag end of the season, filling in diligently as a right-back on many occasions.
#Alexis Mac Allister
Alexis Mac Allister ended the 2022/23 campaign as Brighton’s top scorer with 12 goals. It was a breakthrough season for the 2022 World Cup winner as he became an integral member of De Zerbi’s impressive side.
Mac Allister has shown his versatility by operating in different positions across the midfield. A crisp passer of the ball with a strong engine, the Argentinean international has been hugely influential in the final third for the Seagulls, combining well with the likes of Julio Enciso, Evan Ferguson and Kaoru Mitoma.
He was one of the two Brighton stars along with Caicedo to be nominated for the Premier League Young Player of the Season award. A fantastic campaign with Brighton has seemingly earned Mac Allister a summer move to Liverpool.
#Kaoru Mitoma
In his first Premier League season, Kaoru Mitoma has impressed on the left flank for the high-flying Seagulls, registering seven goals and five assists in 33 appearances.
The Japanese international has caught the eye with his speed, dribbling skills, tenacity and decision-making in the final third. He has been mostly consistent in his performances and looked unplayable at times. Having hugely impressed in his first season in England, Brighton may have a difficult task on their hands in keeping hold of Mitoma this summer.