Brighton and Hove Albion star Maxim de Cuyper has admitted he would prefer to be playing left-back but won’t be complaining about his position change.
The 25-year-old has been one of the stars for Brighton this season as they’ve started the season on fire.
So far, he’s managed four goals and three assists in 11 games in all competitions, with two goals and two assists in the Premier League already.
It’s a major change for a player who has spent most of his career playing at left-back. For instance, last season, he managed two goals and three assists in 31 games in all competitions.
That season saw him spend 22 games as a left-back, with three as a left-winger and three in left-midfield. Things are very different this season, as he’s played six times in left midfield and once as a left winger. He’s yet to make any appearances in defence.
Position change
He now admits he’d prefer his old role but won’t be complaining any time soon.
“I’m actually enjoying it,” he told Play Sports.
“To be honest, at the start of the season, I would have preferred to play at left-back. But the longer I play further forward, the more I like it. This style of football suits me, and it’s clearly working.
“Do I want to stay there for the rest of the season? If I have to move back, that won’t be a problem—it is my natural position, after all. But I do hope I get to stay in the attack for a while longer.”
The defender turned winger has been a key player as Brighton have enjoying a flying start to the new campaign.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side sit third in the table at present, just two points behind second placed Arsenal. They’ve also won their last four on the bounce. Only Manchester City have a better record over the last five games.
Most are now confident they could qualify for the Champions League this season. De Cuyper is happy to admit he didn’t see it coming.
“Am I surprised that we’re doing this well? A little bit, yes,” he said.
“Before the season, there were some question marks from everyone, but we’ve managed to dispel all of them. We’re doing things our way, and it’s working well.”
Rock solid defence
A crucial factor has been their rock-solid defence. The Seagulls haven’t conceded a goal in eight hours and 50 minutes.
They’ve also kept a clean sheet in each of their last four games in the league. Indeed, they’ve only conceded four goals all season and three of those came in a 4-3 defeat to Chelsea. They’re yet to concede a goal in the Conference League either.
That might have something to do with goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. He’s made a promise to his teammates that seems to be having an effect.
“He had a fun idea,” explained De Cuyper.
“At the start of the season, Bart said: ‘If we keep a clean sheet, I’ll have our sponsor come to the club with free coffee.’
“And I have to say, it’s really caught on! In the last ten minutes against Crystal Palace, I was actually thinking about it while on the pitch. You know the win is already in the bag, but when there’s something extra riding on a clean sheet…”
