Brighton 1-3 Palace: Enciso return only positive in player ratings

Trying to find any positives out of Brighton 1-3 Crystal Palace is almost as pointless as giving a bald man a comb for Christmas – with the one exception of the man who topped the Albion player ratings – Julio Enciso.

It has been a difficult 12 months for Enciso. Six months out injured. Not looking the same player on his return. Demanding to go to the Olympics with Paraguay and missing most of pre-season.

His agent talking about a big money move when he has scarcely done anything since August 2023 to justify such an opportunity.

Fabian Hurzeler seemed to have grown as tired as Brighton supporters with Enciso shooting from 30 yards any time he got a sniff of goal.

The Youngest Permanent Manager in Premier League History dropped Enciso from recent squads. That made it something of a surprise he was brought on at half time against the Eagles in an attempt to turn the game around.

Enciso made the most of the opportunity, suggesting he does yet have a future at the Amex having been heavily linked with a January loan move.

Alongside Carlos Baleba, Enciso was the only player to score higher than a six in a desperately bad set of ratings reflecting Brighton 1-3 Crystal Palace being the worst afternoon the Albion have delivered for a very long time.

Bart Verbruggen – 4.86

An impressive double save in the eight minutes between Palace goals one and two prevented the score becoming even worse. Question marks over his command of the box – which has been such a strong area for Verbruggen this season – as the Albion conceded both those from crosses.

Tariq Lamptey – 3.62

Hauled after 45 minutes. Responsible for the second Palace goal when he seemed to forget he is a hobbit and attempted to win a header against Tyrick Mitchell. One of those days where every Albion fan left the Amex wishing Joel Veltman was around.

Jan Paul van Hecke – 4.43

Whilst Lewis Dunk’s role in Palace’s third goal has come under scrutiny, where the Van Hecke was Van Hecke? In poor form since Igor Julio was removed from playing alongside him.

Lewis Dunk – 3.19

Lost Ismaila Sarr at the back post for the second goal and then completely missed an attempted clearance for the third. A shadow of his former self since returning from injury leading to the previously unthinkable. Albion fans are clamouring for the captain to be dropped. I can’t be bothered to trawl through previous player ratings, but this score from Brighton 1-3 Palace must be the lowest of his career.

Pervis Estupinan – 4.71

There was some positive stuff from Estupinan. But he could also consider himself lucky that his dalliance on the ball resulting in Palace scoring again was ruled out for a foul.

Carlos Baleba – 6.05

A mature performance whilst every Albion player around him was losing their head. Might have prevented the first goal had referee Michael Oliver not got in Baleba’s way to prevent him making a tackle. Fabian Hurzeler was incensed by that moment when he probably should be more angry and concerned about the manner in which his side were woeful defensively. Again.

Yasin Ayari – 4.38

Brighton were completely overrun in midfield. A day when they needed the experience of James Milner (injured), Pascal Gross (sold) or Billy Gilmour (sold) in there.

Yankubu Minteh – 4.14

A 20-year-old winger will always be inconsistent. Given a start after an impressive cameo off the bench at Leicester City last weekend, only to have a poor game in which he made little impact.

Georginio Rutter – 4.48

Quietest game for some time. Summed up by him being outshone by Enciso.

Kaoru Mitoma – 4.81

Drew a good save from Dean Henderson in what was a decent start for the Albion. Looked the most likely to score for Brighton during the first half.

Joao Pedro – 5.00

When Roberto De Zerbi played Pedro as a nine, it worked. Two games leading the line under Hurzeler now and he has been completely ineffective. Another area for the Albion head coach to look at.

JULIO ENCISO – 6.81

Denied twice by Henderson during his 45 minutes on the pitch. Injected a bit of urgency into the Albion performance after a ponderous first half. May well have pushed himself into contention for a start at West Ham United.

Simon Adingra – 4.24

He isn’t a right winger.

Brajan Gruda – 5.10

Decent cameo including a free kick which was not a million miles away from going in. Still awaiting his full Premier League debut after Brighton decided to sign 237 wingers and number 10s in the summer.

Evan Ferguson – 3.90

So sad to see a player who we know is a magnificent talent look so short of confidence. Pulled out of a bicycle kick attempt through lack of belief. The sort of thing he would have attempted and probably pulled off 12 months ago.

The WAB Player Ratings are formulated using marks out of 10 given by Brighton fans via Twitter. To have your scores included, follow We Are Brighton on Twitter and look out for the player rating thread after each game.