Vote for your August 2023 WAB Brighton Player of the Month
Brighton made a solid start to the new season, winning twice and losing once in August 2023 as Roberto De Zerbi gave Albion fans an early glimpse into the player rotation they can expect to see in 2023-24.
De Zerbi had said before the campaign kicked off that he would be swapping individuals in and out of the starting XI regularly as Brighton face the added challenge of European football for the first time.
Not many people would have expected the rotation to start in the first month of the season with the Europa League still a month from kick off, however.
But that is what we got. The team which got off to a winning start by beating Luton Town 4-1 at the Amex was changed for the trip to the Wolves.
After exactly the same scoreline was recorded at Molineux, there was further rotation when West Ham United visited Sussex.
The visit of the Irons was not so successful, West Ham registering their first victory over Brighton in 13 attempts via a 3-1 win.
Players being rested with such frequency made putting together a shortlist for August 2023 Brighton Player of the Month somewhat challenging.
What we have ended up with is six players who have delivered game changing moments. And before anyone decries the absence of a certain Evan Ferguson, his sensational hat-trick against Newcastle United came in September.
The candidates for WeAreBrighton.com August 2023 Brighton Player of the Month
Julio Enciso
Football can be a cruel mistress. After being the best player on the pitch at Wolves, Enciso was ruled out for a minimum of four months with a meniscus injury requiring surgery. His two assists for Solly March and all round dazzling display against the Old Gold hinted to a massive season ahead. For the time being, it has been put on ice.
Pervis Estupinan
Quite how Brighton managed to navigate the summer transfer window without having to fend off a serious bid for Estupinan is a mystery. FPL managers have realised his value, making him the third most picked player in the game with over 60 percent ownership. An assist against Luton followed by a goal and an assist at Wolves repaid the faith handsomely.
Billy Gilmour
Was only named amongst the substitutes for the opening game of the campaign but went onto grab his opportunity with both hands when coming into the XI for the Wolves match. Although early days in life post-Moises Caicedo, Gilmour has slotted into the role vacated by the most expensive footballer in British history seamlessly. The irony of that after Chelsea paid £115 million for Caicedo whilst allowing Gilmour to join Brighton for just £9 million will not be lost on anyone.
Pascal Gross
Our WAB Brighton Player of the Season 2022-23 continued where he had left off with a series of August performances good enough to earn a first call up to the German national team at the age of 32. Despite the Albion’s heavy recruitment in midfield areas, he remains one of the first names on De Zerbi’s team sheet. Opened his account for the season with a crisp finish against Luton.
Solly March
Solly March, Premier League top goal scorer. Who in their right mind thought they would ever read that sentence? A brilliant head past Luton and two clever finishes with either foot at Wolves had March first place in the race for the golden boot after two games.
Kaoru Mitoma
The Japanese Bullet Train already has his first individual award of the season, having won the BBC Match of the Day Goal of the Month award for his incredible individual effort against Wolves. His one assist of the month came when teeing up March for the opening goal of the Luton game via typically pinpoint cross into the box.
Loading ...Poll closes at 8pm on Sunday 10th September
