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3 Reasons Why This Goalscoring Defender Could Be The Difference Between Brighton Staying Up And Going Down

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Lewis Dunk in action for Brighton. (Getty Images)
Lewis Dunk
Lewis Dunk

Three Reasons Why Lewis Dunk Will Be Massive For Brighton If They Are To Stay Above The Relegation Zone

I’ve written it before and no doubt I’ll mention it again in future; Lewis Dunk is an excellent centre-back who could go on to play for England.

If that is to happen at all for Brighton’s local lad, then he has timed his rise to the Premier League perfectly. Next season is a World Cup year and the desperate need for players with international ambitions to play at the top level reaches a peak about now. Here are 3 reasons showing why Dunk is so important to Brighton’s survival cause:

Consistency

Of course, we cannot legislate for bad injuries and the like, but the number of games played by some players makes for interesting reading. Some modern day footballers lack commitment to the cause and will often find a way to play as few games as possible.

In Dunk’s case, in the last three Championship seasons he has played 38, 39 and 43 times. Last season was particularly impressive, as he put in several excellent performances over 43 games. He was solid last season and expect him to continue in same fashion.

Dunk’s recent record shows that he will always show up, always give his best and never shirk a challenge. These are characteristics that will stand him in good stead for the Premier League season ahead.

Positional Sense

Blocking, tackling and desperate clearances are all something that even average players can do when their back is against the wall. Interceptions, on the other hand, take more skill, as positional awareness and an ability to think ahead of the game are required.

Only 5 players managed to average over 3 interceptions per game in the Championship last season and Dunk was one of them. It’s one of his better traits and is something that he will improve on, probably improving season on season for another few years at least.

Attacking Prowess

One thing that the modern game has not managed to change is the penchant for teams to throw their big defenders forward for set pieces.

Dunk is particularly adept at chipping in with goals over the course of the season from corners and free kicks, netting 7 goals in 2014/15, 4 in 15/16 and another 2 last term. Brighton, like other teams, can attempt to use science to plan their attacking game next season, in terms of who will play and in what position, but goals from set pieces will remain a big bonus.

The fact that Dunk may score anything from 2-6 goals next season could be huge for the Seagulls and may yet be the difference between staying up and going down.