A Dream Brighton Lineup To Grace The Premier League Next Season
Brighton will feel gutted not to have secured the Championship title after their disappointing final day draw at Aston Villa allowed Newcastle to retake top spot right at the death.
Albion will be more than satisfied to be playing Premier League football though for the very first time and will now have an increased transfer budget. Although keeping our feet on the ground and making it realistic, here we look at how Brighton could line-up in the top division if all goes their way over the summer. A dream Brighton XI? That’s how we’d like to call it.
Dream Brighton XI:
Formation: 4-4-2
GK – David Stockdale
Stockdale is quality goalkeeper and Brighton are not guaranteed to find another ‘keeper as good as him if they let him go. They will do everything within their powers to hold on to their man.
RB – Carl Jenkinson
Skipper Bruno is still under contract and has been excellent this term, though he could make way for a younger model now with Jenkinson coming in.
CB – Shane Duffy
A mainstay of the team and improving nicely at 25-years-old, Duffy deserves his chance at the top level. He should be a part of Brighton com next season.
CB – Lewis Dunk
Dunk’s best years are ahead of him and there’s no doubt he can come into England contention over the next year. Will stay with the team.
LB – Sebastien Pocognoli
The Belgian left-back is on loan from West Brom but is capable of better and he may be signed permanently. Would be a smart move to sign him permanently.
RW – Anthony Knockaert
The Belgian, along with Dunk, is Brighton’s hottest property and deserves his chance in the Premier League.
CM – Aaron Mooy
While on loan from Manchester City, Mooy has been truly outstanding for Huddersfield this season and definitely seems to be Premier League standard. Would be a good signing if done.
CM – Dale Stephens
Stephens is now reaching his peak and will not be out of place in the Premier League. He is out of contract this summer at the Amex and it is crucial that Brighton act fast to secure his services.
LW – Adnan Januzaj
Still just 22 and with his best years ahead of him, Januzaj will head back to Manchester United this summer following the end of his loan at Sunderland but is unlikely to command a first team place at Old Trafford these days. Brighton would do well to bring him in.
SS – Jonathan Cafu
The Brazilian would be an interesting addition and would complement Brighton’s attacking style and players in the squad.
ST – Tammy Abraham
The excellent Chelsea striker, on loan this season at Bristol City, bagged 26 goals in all competitions and given the relative lack of service strikers receive in the lower reaches of the league that is mightily impressive. Go for him Brighton!