Brighton 4-1 Luton: Livewire left side lead the Albion player ratings
For all the summer transfer speculation surrounding outgoings from the Albion, the player ratings from Brighton 4-1 Luton Town serve as a reminder of how utterly bizarre it is that Pervis Estupinan has not been seriously linked with a big money move.
The Ecuadorian left back was absolutely superb against the Hatters both in defence and attack. He was involved in two of the Albion’s four goals as Brighton ran riot down the left flank, meaning it is no surprise to see Kaoru Mitoma just behind Estupinan in the ratings.
Brighton will undoubtedly come up against better right sided defence than that put up by Luton. But even so, there cannot be many full backs capable of nullifying the threat posed by Estupinan and Mitoma when they are in this sort of mood.
It was not just about that livewire left side against the Hatters. There were plenty of other notable contributions, especially from debutants James Milner, Joao Pedro, Mahmoud Dahoud and Simon Adingra.
Here are your Brighton 4-1 Luton Town player ratings.
Jason Steele – 7.14
Some decent saves when Luton threatened but he will face much tougher afternoons this season. More notable was his 100 percent pass completion rate with short, medium and longish balls thrown into the mix.
James Milner – 8.14
Looked more like a sprightly 17 year old than a veteran of 37 years in an all-action display up and down the right flank. Calm and assured in possession, his skillset looks the perfect fit for DeZerbiBall.
Jan Paul van Hecke – 7.71
With Adam Webster injured, the Dutchman was preferred to new signing Igor Julio. Gave a solid performance without any of the questionable mistakes he sometimes threw in to make things interesting last season.
Lewis Dunk – 7.29
Got one of his trademark chests back to his goalkeeper under pressure in to start the season. Unlucky to give away the penalty and Luton caused him some issues aside from that. His ability on the ball was in full evidence however, most notably with a sublime pass to send Estupinan scampering away down the left channel in the build up to the fourth.
PERVIS ESTUPINAN – 8.57
Deservedly tops the Brighton 4-1 Luton player ratings for a barnstorming 90 minutes. Claimed an assist when latching onto that Dunk pass and crossing for Evan Ferguson to tap home at the back post. He was also involved in Simon Adingra’s goal with a powerful shot which Thomas Kaminski could only parry up into the air.
Pascal Gross – 7.71
Deployed in midfield, Gross was at his scheming best. Set up an early chance which Joao Pedro inexplicably dragged wide from inside the six yard box and rattled the near post with a lovely shot.
Mahmoud Dahoud – 7.57
A different type of player to either Alexis Mac Allister or Moises Caicedo. That neither was particularly missed highlights what he can bring to Brighton. Neat, tidy and has a fine passing range. Needs to improve a bit in possession but that will surely come once he becomes fully versed in the ways of DeZerbiBall.
Solly March – 7.29
Says much that on one of his quieter afternoons, he still managed to score. Drifted in from the left flank to meet a Mitoma cross with a powerful header leaving Kaminski no chance of keeping it out.
Joao Pedro – 7.86
Received a hostile reception from Luton fans due to his connection with their arch rivals Watford, making his earning and conversion of the penalty which gave Brighton their third particularly sweet. Plenty of flicks, tricks and excitement to go with that interesting Neal Maupay-esque miss.
Kaoru Mitoma – 8.14
Bettered only in the Brighton 4-1 Luton ratings by Estupinan, the duo’s link up down the left was an absolute joy to behold and something the Hatters had no answer to. Set up March for the opening goal and his trickery released Pedro in the move leading to the penalty.
Danny Welbeck – 7.00
Lots of good movement and brought others into play well. Hit the post and was denied by a decent Kaminski save. Can and will play better.
Simon Adingra – 7.71
When he scored with a debut volley, a million Google searches were carried out for “Who is Simon Adingra?” Not yet on the same level as March or Mitoma but gives Brighton far more depth in those wide forward positions than the have previously enjoyed.
Billy Gilmour – 7.14
Bit of a surprise not to see him start given Roberto De Zerbi’s pre-game comments showering praise on the diminutive Scotsman. Saw lots of the ball when he did come on, although it remains an absolute scandal that a holding midfield player is wearing the number 11 shirt.
Evan Ferguson – 7.43
In the right place at the right time to slide home the fourth goal in stoppage time to continue his impressive goals-to-minutes ratio. Enjoy him this season folks; he will probably be the next cab off the rank next summer for a fee exceeding even the £115 million Chelsea are paying for Caicedo.
Joel Veltman – 6.86
Took over at right back from Milner when the game was done. A like-for-like replacement in terms of dependability and energy, if not age.
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.
