Vote for your May 2024 WAB Brighton Player of the Month
After so many questionable results and performances through March and April, May 2024 did at least see Brighton end their 2023-24 campaign by putting points on the board, playing some vaguely entertaining football and with six Player of the Month candidates who all play for the Albion.
You may recall Burnley goalkeeper Arijanet Muric was voted WAB April Player of the Month. Over 50 percent of Seagulls supporters picked Muric on account of his comical own goal in the 1-1 draw at Turf Moor being the only time Brighton scored in April.
In contrast, there were three goals in May earning four points. Joao Pedro converted a late penalty for his 20th of the season as the Albion beat Champions League qualifiers Aston Villa 1-0 at the Amex to start the month.
Next came an impressive 1-1 draw at another top seven side, Newcastle United. Joel Veltman headed the Seagulls into an early lead cancelled out just before half time.
Brighton gave much more pragmatic performances against both Villa and Newcastle than we had previously seen under Roberto De Zerbi.
They were better defensively and placed a great focus on playing counter attacking football. It was a riposte to those who said De Zerbi had no Plan B.
The penultimate game of the campaign brought in-form Chelsea to the Amex. Despite having a squad costing a billion pounds, the Blues only just hung onto a 2-1 win over Brighton. Danny Welbeck scored late on for the Albion, setting up a nervy finish.
Then came the disappointing news that De Zerbi and Brighton would be parting ways after the 2023-24 season was completed with the visit of Manchester United.
Saying goodbye to arguably the best head coach the Albion have ever had rather overshadowed the 90 minutes against United.
Brighton though were good for 73 of those except in front of goal, where they failed to take any of the numerous opportunities they created.
The Red Devils ruthlessly punished that wastefulness, scoring twice on the counter in the final quarter hour to head back to leaky Old Trafford with all three points.
And just like that, the De Zerbi Era was over. Over to you to decide who takes the final Player of the Month Award of a period of unprecedented success in Brighton history.
The candidates for WeAreBrighton.com May 2024 Brighton Player of the Month
Carlos Baleba
Whoever succeeds De Zerbi as head coach should be very excited about working with Baleba. He was the best midfielder on the pitch in the United game, despite the Red Devils possessing the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.
Valentin Barco
Whoever succeeds De Zerbi as head coach should be very excited about working with Barco. Replaced the injured Lewis Dunk at half time against Chelsea and was so exciting as to top the Player Ratings for just 45 minutes work. Continued in that vein with a threatening performance up and down the left in defeat to United.
Joao Pedro
His penalty winner over Villa was his 20th goal of the season. A phenomenal return for a young forward in his first full season with the Albion. Showcased his versatility by causing United plenty of problems when asked to do a job out on the left. In a summer where Brighton might be expecting less interest in their players than normal, it would not be a surprise to see some clubs considering a bid for Pedro.
Joel Veltman
Scored what he described as “his annual goal” at Newcastle, his first for 14 months and first ever away from the Amex. The difference he makes to the Albion defence was highlighted with the way Anthony Gordon became a much more influential figure after Veltman was forced off with injury just before half time at St James’ Park.
Bart Verbruggen
The one good thing about De Zerbi leaving is we will hopefully never have to see goalkeeper rotation at Brighton again. Verbruggen has to be number one going into next season. His May highlight reel included a clean sheet against Villa and making some excellent saves which helped earn Brighton their point from Newcastle.
Adam Webster
Fair play to Webster. His 2023-24 season had been a mixture of disappointment and injuries, leaving many to conclude his time at Brighton must be coming to an end. But it would appear he has been written off too early. Made his first start in months against Villa, marking Ollie Watkins out the game. Was then rock solid throughout the remainder of May.
Loading ...Poll closes at 10pm on Sunday 26th May 2024
