Premier League team guide: Brighton in the spotlight

Brighton made history last seasin by finishing sixth in the Premier League and qualifying for the Europa League for the first time.

Head coach Roberto De Zerbi has been outstanding since taking over from Graham Potter and is making his mark on a talented group of players.

As they enter their seventh consecutive campaign in the top flight, the Seagulls have bolstered their squad as they look to be competitive at home and abroad. 

Last season: Sixth

De Zerbi's reign got off to an uncertain start after Potter's departure a month into the campaign and Brighton picked up just two points from his first five matches at the helm.

But a run of victories leading up to Christmas — including wins over Chelsea, Wolves and Southampton — was enough to give his side a confidence boost going into 2023. 

The good form continued and impressive victories over Liverpool, West Ham and Arsenal were pivotal in Brighton's quest to qualify for Europe.

Despite losing to Aston Villa on the final day, the Seagulls managed to pip them to a top-six finish.

New faces

The Amex Stadium has seen a flurry of new faces arrive this summer with De Zerbi opting for a mix of experience and younger talent.

Joao Pedro and Bart Verbruggen will give him flexibility in both attack and in goal, while James Milner, Mahmoud Dahoud and Igor will provide competition in midfield and defence.

Question marks remain over the future of Moises Caicedo, with the Seagulls already rejecting multiple advances from Chelsea for their Ecuadorian star.

Playing out from the back is essential in the current system and Verbruggen's arrival appears to have signalled the end for Robert Sanchez, who has been linked with Chelsea.

One to watch: Evan Ferguson

Evan Ferguson is only 18 but has already been compared to world-class finishers such as Harry Kane and Erling Haaland.

The Irishman tallied eight goal contributions in the top flight last term across 19 appearances, which was enough to give everyone a preview of the talent he possesses.

Ferguson is tied down to a long-term deal on the South Coast but could become one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe if he continues on his current trajectory.

The boss: Roberto De Zerbi

De Zerbi has been showered with praise since arriving in the Premier League and his style of play is quickly becoming admired by other managers.

The 44-year-old emerged as a manager to watch during his stint with Sassuolo before moving to Shakhtar Donetsk, where he won the Ukrainian Super Cup.

Brighton are capable of playing in a number of formations but a four-man defence is preferred by their Italian boss.

His possession-heavy, high-pressing tactics have elevated them from a mid-table side to European challengers.

Information correct as of August 1, 2023