Vote for your August 2024 WAB Brighton Player of the Month
The first WAB Player of the Month Award of the Fabian Hurzeler Era is here and it comes at the end of an unbeaten August 2024 for Brighton.
What had appeared a tricky month when the fixtures were announced has been easily navigated by the Albion and their new head coach, who apparently is the youngest permanent manager in Premier League history.
Everton were expected to provide a tough test in the opening home game of their last ever campaign at Goodison Park. Brighton though easily swatted aside the Toffees, winning 3-0 in the Merseyside sunshine. Sean Dyche curse? What Sean Dyche curse?
Next came the visit of the not-so-mighty Manchester United to the Amex. A 95th minute winner from the irresistible Joao Pedro secured a 2-1 win for the Albion.
Erik ten Haag was left tearing his hair out whilst Hurzeler became the first Albion manager to win his first home game in charge since Peter Taylor 23 years ago.
Brighton were handed a Sussex Derby against Crawley Town in the second round of the Carabao Cup. It had all the makings of a banana skin and might have been if Crawley had attempted some of the passing football which swept them to promotion out League Two last season, rather than trying to kick the Albion off the park.
A routine 4-0 victory was the outcome, leading nicely into the final game of the month against Arsenal. Brighton were good value for their 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium, even if the entire focus afterwards was on Declan Rice picking up two bookings.
Seven points from a possible nine leaves the Seagulls third in the Premier League. And what our August 2024 Player of the Month Award showcases is that lofty position has been achieved without much help from any new Brighton signing.
The only summer recruit to make the shortlist is Yankubu Minteh. Imagine what the Albion might be capable of when Hurzeler unleashes the remaining £163 million worth of talent bought as part of Tony Bloom’s £193 million spending spree upon the Premier League.
Scary, isn’t it?
The candidates for WeAreBrighton.com August 2024 Brighton Player of the Month
Simon Adingra
The King of AFCON has fallen behind Minteh in the pecking order but that did not stop him enjoying an excellent month. A goal from the bench at Everton. An assist from the bench against United. And a fine finish to open the scoring on his only start of the month when Crawley came to the Amex.
Yankubu Minteh
A barnstorming pre-season has been followed up with a flying start to life following his £35 million move from Newcastle. Teed up Kaoru Mitoma for the opening goal in the Everton win before being taken off with suspected concussion. Recovered suitably and although he struggled at time against United, it was his shot at Arsenal saved by David Raya which presented Pedro with the equaliser.
Joao Pedro
August 2024 began with Pedro becoming the first Brighton player to ever be nominated for PFA Young Player of the Year. Back-to-back goals followed against United and Arsenal. The first was a brilliantly calm header when the pressure was on the score. An equally cool and collected finish followed at the Emirates.
Jan Paul van Hecke
Van Hecke continued where he left off from last season. Three magnificent defensive displays featuring vital interventions, perfectly timed tackles and leadership which marks him out as a future Albion captain. A first call up to the Dutch national squad is thoroughly deserved.
Joel Veltman
Veltman could make the shortlist for sending 57,000 Arsenal fans inside the Emirates and hundreds of thousands more watching around the world into meltdown alone. Take away his part in the Rice red card and he is still worthy of a place for a rock solid month at right back.
Danny Welbeck
Welbz is Dat Guy. Provided the crucial second goal at Goodison Park. Followed up by scoring against former club United once again, moving onto 100 club goals in his career in the process. Already looks like he is set for a huge role under Hurzeler.
Loading ...Poll closes at 10pm on Sunday 8th September 2024
