The 2023-24 season has already been a campaign that will live long in the memory for Brighton fans, as the club’s first ever season in Europe will continue in 2024 after gaining a qualifying spot in their testing Europa League group.
Domestic form has threatened to de-rail the work done by Roberto De Zerbi, but a busy period of fixture in December could lead the club back into the race for a European position in the Premier League this term. During the busy winter period, the attention of Brighton players will also turn to the FA Cup, and a first major cup success could be challenging to rule out if they return to their early-season form.
This article is in conjunction with footysamba,com, as we assess some of the brightest performers for Brighton in the first half of the 2023-24 season.
Joao Pedro
Eyebrows were raised at the end of the 2022-23 season when Brighton agreed to pay a club-record fee to Watford for Brazilian forward Joao Pedro. However, once again, the recruitment team at Falmer Stadium have picked up an excellent star, who some pundits have regarded as a potential number nine for Brazil at the next World Cup.
Pedro wasted little time in opening his account for the Seagulls, as he struck home from the penalty spot on his Premier League debut against Luton. However, it has been his performances in the Europa League that have the difference-maker, as the Brazilian has already scored five goals in as many appearances.
Kaoru Mitoma
Brighton fans were delighted earlier in the season, as it was announced that Kaoru Mitoma had put pen to paper on a contract extension at the club. He started the season in stunning form for the Seagulls, and was a key star when the club were battling at the top of the standings.
The Japanese international already looks on course to eclipse his best stats in the Premier League this term, as he has netted three goals in his 15 appearances this term; just four shy of his tally for the 2022-23 season. He has been a regular out-ball for the Seagulls throughout this season, evident from the fact that he has already registered four assists, just one short of his tally for the entirety of last term.
Pervis Estupinan
Brighton were electric in the early weeks of the Premier League season this term, and one of the main reasons for that was down to the form of Pervis Estupinan. The Ecuador international has been a big blow for the club since picking up an injury, but his return to the starting eleven will immediately signal an improvement in form.
The left-back was a standout player across the opening month of the 2023-24 season, as he registered three assists and netted one goal. Despite being out for a number of months, he will still rank among the early players that could be a front runner for Brighton’s player of the season.
