Brighton thrash Spanish side Villarreal 4-0 to cap off an encouraging pre-season. New manager Fabian Hurzeler received a warm welcome from the Albion fans in his first game in charge at the Amex Stadium.
Brighton (4-2-3-1)
Jason Steele – (7.3): The experienced goalkeeper made some decent saves especially in the first half. Didn’t have a lot to do in the second half as Brighton dominated but he’ll be happy to have earned a second consecutive clean sheet.
Jan Paul van Hecke – (8.2): Very solid all game, the only outfield player to play the full 90 and he stood out massively. Villarreal had early chances but van Hecke was there every time to cut out the danger, a big season coming for the young defender.
Lewis Dunk – (7.2): Great to see the captain back in action after the Euros and he put in a decent 45 minutes before being replaced by Adam Webster. Didn’t have much to do as van Hecke was everywhere but when he did he didn’t put a foot wrong.
Valentin Barco – (7.0): Had some bright moments despite an early error, very good going forward though. It looks like the Argentine teenager is Brighton’s new set piece taker following Pascal Gross’ departure; he swung some good deliveries into the box. Still loads more to come from Barco but he’s certainly got so much potential.
Embed from Getty ImagesJoel Veltman – (6.8): Made a vital interception to stop Villarreal going ahead early on. The Spanish side managed to isolate him at times highlighting Brighton’s need for a better full back however Veltman held his own and still put in a decent shift.
James Milner – (7.4): Surprised to see him start over Baleba but Milner did well in a more advanced midfield role. Loudest player on the pitch which you could really hear due to the Amex only being a third full, did well at commanding his players and guiding them during the press. He could be a key player for Hurzeler and we may see him get more minutes than initially expected.
Mats Wieffer – (7.5): The £25m signing made his first Albion start and impressed many of the supporters. He was very strong in the tackle and broke up possession well in the middle of the park. Still plenty to come but a good first impression made.
Joao Pedro – (8.1): The Brazilian opened the scoring upon his return to the starting line-up and what a strike it was. He’ll be hoping to build on his incredible debut season this year and his goal was certainly a good place to start. Only played 45 minutes but that’s all he needed to remind the Seagulls fans just how good he is when fully fit.
Embed from Getty ImagesKaoru Mitoma – (7.8): Mitoma came back to the Amex with a bang after a long time out injured last season. He had some brilliant moments down the flanks and nearly got on the score-sheet on multiple occasions.
Yankuba Minteh – (8.5): The Gambian superstar is very quickly becoming a fan favourite down on the South Coast; he’s notched three goals and two assists in pre-season. Not only is he so exciting to watch going forward but he is great in the press as well, could have tracked back to help out Veltman at times but that will come with experience.
Danny Welbeck – (8.5): The veteran striker showed his quality again with a brace before being subbed off. The first a tidy finish over Villarreal’s goalkeeper and the second a cool penalty kick. Hurzeler has plenty of attacking options this year but Welbeck is still showing how vital he is to the Brighton side.
Embed from Getty ImagesAdam Webster – (6.8): Replaced Lewis Dunk at half time and had nearly nothing to do during his 45 minute cameo. Was good in possession but aside from that he wasn’t involved as Villarreal didn’t get a sniff on goal.
Jeremy Sarmiento – (7.3): One of the most exciting players to come out of pre-season. Very good in the press alongside Minteh and such a threat going forward, it will be exciting to see him take the step up this season in the Premier League.
Carlos Baleba – (7.1): The young midfielder is finally growing in confidence and becoming a tank in the midfield. Baleba played a big part in Minteh’s goal too highlighting his chance creating abilities too.
Jack Hinshelwood – (6.7): The Brighton boy returned to the Amex for the first time since February and received a warm welcome back. He linked up well with Cozier-Duberry on the right wing but aside from that he didn’t get a lot of the ball.
Yasin Ayari – (6.5): Ayari made a real nuisance of himself in the midfield when brought on and made good runs into the box. He’s another player who Brighton have held onto rather than loan out in order to give him his opportunity in the top flight this season.
Simon Adingra – (7.2): Played out on the left wing which was intersting but he did well. Only played 15 minutes so it’s hard to rate him but he linked up with Sarmiento well in the limited minutes he had.
Amario Cozier-Duberry – (6.5): Was hoping to see more of Cozier-Duberry due to his impressive performances in Japan but it wasn’t to be. As mentioned previously, he seems to be forming a nice partnership with Hinshelwood which will be interesting to see develop as the season progresses.
Mark O’Mahony – (N/A): Didn’t play long enough or have enough touches of the ball to be able to give a full rating.
Andrew Moran – (N/A): Didn’t play long enough or have enough touches of the ball to be able to give a full rating.
Written by Isabelle Newnham
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