Tiptoe through the NSC
Active member
When we took the field in our first PL match with no less than four new recruits in the starting line-up, I feared for them and for us. What about the language barrier? The pace and physicality of the Premier League? Could the team spirit, forged in the white heat of two Championship promotion challenges, endure? Three months on it’s time to hold my hands up to Winstanley and his team. Five key summer signings and not a dud amongst them. I offer below a supporting argument for each.
1 Mathew Ryan – Short of admirers after letting Dunk’s own goal seemingly pass clean through his body and parrying Mahrez’s shot into the path of Okazaki, many were concerned for him when West Brom came calling with their legendary prowess at set pieces. That spectacular save from Gareth Barry’s piledriver was the turning point for our Aussie number 1 and he has not looked back since. I’m now convinced he is an upgrade on Stockdale and long since gave up wondering if Mäenpää might be worth a try. 7½ out of 10
29 Markus Suttner – We fought long and hard for our new left-back and it’s taken a while to see why. Positionally sound but slow to turn he totally lost Mahrez for Leicester’s early goal. However, he is steady in possession and crosses beautifully when he’s feeling adventurous. It seems that so far his most significant achievement has been to bring the best out of Bong. Underused at set pieces, I remain convinced he has a Pocognoli moment in him and hope I’m there when it happens. 6 out of 10
24 Davy Pröpper – Our (then) record signing was harshly judged after a ponderous debut against the best team in Europe less than a week after signing. He seems to have improved in every game since, thanks to the faith that Chris Hughton has shown in his ability. His turn and pass for Jose’s goal against West Ham was the classiest moment I’ve seen from an Albion player this season and his passing to the same player against Southampton was sublime. One ball from the centre to the left had the sort of check and fade reminiscent of Hoddle in his prime. With his proven ability to play further forward (possibly at the top of a diamond if we are short of wide options), this guy is a snip at £10m. 8½ out of 10 (but more to come)
13 Pascal Groß – Our bargain-basement German playmaker his occupied more column inches in the national press than any other Brighton player this season. He is a fantasy league favourite for the simple reason that he delivers. He delivers crosses with either foot, he delivers excitement (often with his slo-mo but faultless Cruyff turns), he delivers assists and he delivered our first ever PL goal. He runs himself into the ground every game supporting Glenn or Tomer while maintaining the illusion that we have a five-man midfield. This man needs a song! 9 out of 10
19 José Heriberto Izquierdo Mena – Our upmarket Kaz is yet to settle in the way that the others have. Underwhelming in his first PL start at the Emirates he has not been afforded the luxury of a run of home games in which to settle. His pace, especially in support of his full-back, is sensational. The goal at West Ham will live long in the memory – however it will have been seen by every PL defender by now so let’s hope there is more to his game, including delivery from the byline with his left foot. 7 out of 10 (so far)
Well done to team Bloom, Barber and Winstanley for this quintet of excellent signings. Long may you, not I and my mates, oversee the Albion’s transfer budget. Now, about that striker!
1 Mathew Ryan – Short of admirers after letting Dunk’s own goal seemingly pass clean through his body and parrying Mahrez’s shot into the path of Okazaki, many were concerned for him when West Brom came calling with their legendary prowess at set pieces. That spectacular save from Gareth Barry’s piledriver was the turning point for our Aussie number 1 and he has not looked back since. I’m now convinced he is an upgrade on Stockdale and long since gave up wondering if Mäenpää might be worth a try. 7½ out of 10
29 Markus Suttner – We fought long and hard for our new left-back and it’s taken a while to see why. Positionally sound but slow to turn he totally lost Mahrez for Leicester’s early goal. However, he is steady in possession and crosses beautifully when he’s feeling adventurous. It seems that so far his most significant achievement has been to bring the best out of Bong. Underused at set pieces, I remain convinced he has a Pocognoli moment in him and hope I’m there when it happens. 6 out of 10
24 Davy Pröpper – Our (then) record signing was harshly judged after a ponderous debut against the best team in Europe less than a week after signing. He seems to have improved in every game since, thanks to the faith that Chris Hughton has shown in his ability. His turn and pass for Jose’s goal against West Ham was the classiest moment I’ve seen from an Albion player this season and his passing to the same player against Southampton was sublime. One ball from the centre to the left had the sort of check and fade reminiscent of Hoddle in his prime. With his proven ability to play further forward (possibly at the top of a diamond if we are short of wide options), this guy is a snip at £10m. 8½ out of 10 (but more to come)
13 Pascal Groß – Our bargain-basement German playmaker his occupied more column inches in the national press than any other Brighton player this season. He is a fantasy league favourite for the simple reason that he delivers. He delivers crosses with either foot, he delivers excitement (often with his slo-mo but faultless Cruyff turns), he delivers assists and he delivered our first ever PL goal. He runs himself into the ground every game supporting Glenn or Tomer while maintaining the illusion that we have a five-man midfield. This man needs a song! 9 out of 10
19 José Heriberto Izquierdo Mena – Our upmarket Kaz is yet to settle in the way that the others have. Underwhelming in his first PL start at the Emirates he has not been afforded the luxury of a run of home games in which to settle. His pace, especially in support of his full-back, is sensational. The goal at West Ham will live long in the memory – however it will have been seen by every PL defender by now so let’s hope there is more to his game, including delivery from the byline with his left foot. 7 out of 10 (so far)
Well done to team Bloom, Barber and Winstanley for this quintet of excellent signings. Long may you, not I and my mates, oversee the Albion’s transfer budget. Now, about that striker!
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