While Liverpool may be on course to lift this year’s Premier League trophy, Brighton have still delivered a season to remember. The surprise appointment of Fabian Hürzeler last summer was a bold move by the club. At just 31, the former St. Pauli became the youngest permanent boss in Premier League history, stepping into the role after Roberto De Zerbi, with plenty of skeptics watching.
Fast forward to today, and Brighton have produced moments of brilliance, resilience, and surprise. Hürzeler has managed an injury-hit squad, integrated over £200 million worth of new signings, and still pulled off some remarkable results, thanks in large part to the unexpected heroes who’ve stepped up throughout the campaign.
Join us as we break down the seven Brighton players who defied expectations and lit up the Premier League this season.
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1. Joao Pedro
Since joining Brighton in 2023, Joao Pedro has always delivered a standout performance, showcasing his strong gola-scoring abilities and great link-up play. In his first Premier League season, he scored nine goals, and in the current 2024/25 season, he’s added 10 goals and 6 assists in 27 league games.Even though he’s only played a little over half of Brighton’s total minutes this season under manager Fabian Hürzeler, Pedro has made the most of his chances. He’s proven to be an effective and reliable attacking option whenever he’s on the pitch.At just 23 years old, he has plenty of room to grow and is already attracting interest from big clubs like Arsenal. However, his discipline has been questioned, he recently served a three-game suspension for a red card and was left out of the squad against Liverpool after a training ground incident. Despite these issues, João Pedro’s talent is clear. If he can manage his temper, he has the potential to become one of the Premier League’s top forwards—or at the very least, remain a key player in Brighton’s attack.
2. Jason Steele
While Jason Steele might not always grab the headlines, his influence at Brighton runs deep. Often seen as the backup goalkeeper, Steele has quietly become a vital part of the squad, bringing calm, experience, and character whenever called upon.Though his appearances have been limited, mostly in cup matches, Steele has delivered some memorable moments—pulling off key saves in tight games like the clash against Wolves. Yes, he’s had a few slip-ups, such as a costly error in the League Cup, but overall, his presence has been reassuring between the sticks.
3. Danny Welbeck
Just a few years ago, it seemed like Danny Welbeck’s career was winding down. Injuries had taken their toll, and his spells at Arsenal and Watford were marked more by frustration than success. Fast forward to the 2024/25 season, and Welbeck has completely flipped the script.At 34 years old, the veteran striker is enjoying a remarkable resurgence at Brighton & Hove Albion. He’s bagged six goals in 19 Premier League appearances, showing sharp movement, clever link-up play, and a finishing touch that many thought he’d lost. Not only is he scoring again, but he's also leading the line with experience and confidence, proving to be a crucial figure in Brighton’s attack.
4. Jan Paul van Hecke
Few players have raised their game quite like Jan Paul van Hecke this season. Once seen as a rotational option, the Dutch centre-back has firmly established himself as a key figure in Brighton’s defence, and arguably the club’s most improved player under head coach Fabian Hürzeler.Van Hecke’s composure on the ball, smart positioning, and strong tackling have made him a perfect fit for Hürzeler’s system, which demands calm, confident defenders who can play out from the back. He’s stood tall against top opposition, including a standout performance against Manchester City, where he handled pressure with maturity beyond his years.
5. Georginio Rutter
Georginio Rutter has quickly proven why Brighton made him their record signing. Since arriving from Leeds for £40 million, the 22-year-old forward has become a key player in Fabian Hürzeler’s team, playing with confidence and consistency.Rutter has made the No. 10 role his own, showing off his strong technical skills, clever movement, and hard work. He scored four goals in January alone and now has eight goals in 32 games this season. Whether it’s creating chances or finishing them, he’s been a reliable attacking threat for the Seagulls.
Even after a recent injury scare, Rutter has continued to impress. His energy, creativity, and eye for goal make him a standout in Brighton’s attack. He fits perfectly into Hürzeler’s fast-paced playing style and has shown he can step up in big moments.
Rutter is still young, but he’s already one of Brighton’s most important and consistent performers this season—and he’s only getting better.
6. Bart Verbruggen
Bart Verbruggen has cemented his place as Brighton’s number one goalkeeper this season under Fabian Hürzeler. After rotating with Jason Steele last year, he’s now the clear first choice thanks to consistent performances and strong shot-stopping.He’s made key saves in important matches, like against Newcastle and West Ham, and brings confidence to the backline. While he’s made the occasional mistake, such as the one against Arsenal, his overall impact has been positive.