Vote for your December 2023 WAB Brighton Player of the Month
A hectic December 2023 saw Brighton take to the field seven times in four weeks but despite a lot of player unavailability through injury and suspension, it proved to be a rather good month for the Albion.
Three wins, two draws and two defeats across all competitions kept the Seagulls in touch with the top six and saw them finish first in their Europa League Group of Death, progressing straight to the knockout round of 16 in March.
By the end of December 2023, the lack of players had become so acute that Roberto De Zerbi was forced into finding a new way for his side to play.
Fast, direct wingers have always played a key part in DeZerbiBall. With Kaoru Mitoma, Simon Adingra, Solly March and Ansu Fati all ruled out, De Zerbi oversaw a 4-2 win over Spurs in the final game of the month with his ‘wingless wonders’.
To formulate and implement a new style in the space of a week represented a ridiculous piece of management. Not only was it the highlight of December, but one of the best 90 minutes Brighton have delivered so far this season.
Other notable matches included a 1-0 win over Marseille at the Amex to secure top spot in Europa League Group B and a 2-1 victory over Brentford, giving Tony Bloom the bragging rights over Matthen Benham he cherishes so much.
The two draws finished 1-1 at home to Burney and away at Crystal Palace, although the Albion had enough opportunities in both those matches to win comfortably.
As for the defeats, Chelsea picked up three points in their cup final when beating Brighton 3-2 at Stamford Bridge. Arsenal meanwhile proved too good at the Emirates, winning 2-0 and leading De Zerbi to proclaim the Gunners the best team Brighton have faced this season.
With so many players ruled out, the December 2023 Player of the Month shortlist has become one produced almost by default from those who have been available the most.
It includes two teenagers. Jack Hinshelwood has proven a revelation at right back, popping up with two important goals at the right end (although we still await a moment as glorious as dad Adam’s own goal from 30 yards against Colchester United on Boxing Day 2008).
Fauncdo Buonanotte meanwhile has silenced some of his doubters with several impressive performances, most notably away from home against Chelsea and Crystal Palace.
Once again though, this looks like a wide open contest. Who is getting your vote for the last Player of the Month award of 2023?
The candidates for WeAreBrighton.com December 2023 Brighton Player of the Month
Facundo Buonanotte
The amount of criticism which came the way of Buonanotte from some Albion fans through the opening few months of the 2023-24 always seemed bizarre. He is a teenager adapting to life and football in a strange country. De Zerbi does not share the opinion of those supporters and continues to give the Argentinian opportunities, resulting in a goal at Chelsea and top spot in the WAB Player Ratings against both the Blues and Crystal Palace.
Billy Gilmour
Gilmour returns to the shortlist for the first time since winning WAB September 2023 Player of the Month. Delivered a vintage display in the win over Marseille and looks to have well and truly established himself in De Zerbi’s strongest XI now ahead of Mahmoud Dahoud and Carlos Baleba.
Pascal Gross
Instead of trying to describe the month Gross had, we will let his returns do the talking. Assist against Brentford. Goal against Brentford. Assist against Burnley. Assist against Marseille. Assist against Crystal Palace. Five goal involvements in a December in which he played right back, left back, holding midfield and number 10. Phenomenal.
Jack Hinshelwood
Where do you start with this young man? De Zerbi declared Hinshelwood “the son of Pascal Gross” in December, which is about as high as praise gets for a Brighton player. Has added a new attacking dimension to the right back role, scoring past Brentford and Spurs.
Igor Julio
Igor! Igor! Igor! His ability to cover both centre back and left back proved key through December. Not only did it allow De Zerbi’s favoured 4-2-3-1 to become more fluid, but it also meant Brighton could easily switch to a back three. Combine that versatility with the flair you would expect from a Brazilian and he is well on the way to becoming a fan favourite just four months into his Albion career.
Joao Pedro
No way Pedro! Who else but Mr Europa League was going to score the 88th minute winner against Marseille, meaning he finished as leading scorer of the Europa League group stages? Also helped himself to three Premier League goals; one at Chelsea and two penalties in the Amex victory over Spurs, in which he claimed an assist too from a livewire performance.
Loading ...Poll closes at 10pm on Sunday 14th January
