Profiling each of the promoted teams, Adrian Clarke begins his analysis of Premier League debutants Brighton & Hove Albion.
Midfield maestro
The 2016/17 Championship Player of the Year, Anthony Knockaert is a gifted game-changer who can help Brighton stay competitive in the months ahead.
The Frenchman failed to make an impact for former club Leicester City, making only nine appearances in 2014/15. But he has since dramatically improved his end-product and decision-making.
In a sensational promotion campaign, each of his 15 league goals came in open play and, of his eight assists (see graphic), only one was via a set-piece.
Now 25 years of age, I expect Knockaert to be a wonderfully tricky and entertaining midfielder to watch in the Premier League.
Reminiscent of Riyad Mahrez in style, the Brighton man has the potential to emulate the Algerian’s success.
Defenders would be wise to not give the Seagulls' winger too much space inside the final third, for he has the ability to produce clinical finishes from close and long range.
Ruthless with one-touch efforts on goal, or capable of manufacturing space with tight ball control, Knockaert will be a nightmare for opposing defenders.
He is at his best playing wide on the right, where he intelligently picks and chooses moments to hug the touchline or drive inside.
But he will also pop up on the other flank, especially during counter-attacks. Quick and slippery, Knockaert is an elusive man to track.
Blessed with enough skill to beat defenders on the inside or outside, Brighton’s talisman is also a creative influence who creates goals.
Chief creator
Despite 13 of his 15 goals last season coming via his preferred left boot, he is not afraid to use his weaker right foot to shoot or cross.
He is undoubtedly at his most deadly when given room to look up and deliver a left-footed centre, but he creates stacks of chances from both flanks.
Only six Championship players topped his 1.8 successful crosses per match last season, and he averaged 2.1 chances created in each league contest too.
Providing that Brighton & Hove Albion are able to provide Knockaert with enough quality service, I expect his individual brilliance to inspire several victories.
Whenever they spread the ball wide or break at pace, their fabulous Frenchman will come alive.
