Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has told Georgino Rutter that he must improve his game in one key area ahead of his reunion with Leeds United.
Georgino Rutter established himself as a Leeds fan favourite in the Championship, as he formed a crucial part of the side that made the play-off finals under Daniel Farke.
Rutter was written off by Sam Allardyce in the early days of his Leeds career, but bounced back to show why Victor Orta was willing to sanction a £35 million deal to bring him to the club.
The French forward left Leeds after they missed out on the Premier League, joining Brighton in a £40 million deal and has been effective since his move to the south coast.
However, Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler believes Rutter still has room to improve, and told him exactly what he expects of him ahead of his reunion with his former club.
Georginio Rutter of Brighton celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the Premier League match against Manchester United FC.
Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images
Georgino Rutter told he needs to improve ahead of Leeds United meeting
Speaking to Sussex World prior to Leeds’ trip to Brighton, Hurzeler explained that he expects Rutter to be clinical in front of goal.
According to Hurzeler, although Rutter is working hard to improve his efficiency, he still lacks the consistency expected from top-level players.
“First of all, a very important player,” Hurzeler said. “And of course, he has good games, bad games, good performance, bad performance so far.
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“But for us, it’s the main thing that he’s getting consistency into it and showing the right behaviour. And that’s what we daily work with him, where we give him the daily feedback.”
He added: “Of course, he’s a striker and he wants to score and he’s really working hard for it. But in the end, it’s not about forcing it.”
FC St. Pauli v Eintracht Braunschweig - Second Bundesliga
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Georgino Rutter waiting for first Premier League goal this season
Rutter enjoyed a strong first season with Brighton in 2024/25, as he scored eight goals and registered four assists as the Seagulls claimed an eighth-place finish.
However, both Rutter and Brighton have struggled to hit those highs yet this season, as their form has stuttered in the first quarter of the year.
Georgino Rutter 25/26 Premier League stats:
Played – 8
Started – 6
Goals – 0
Assists – 2
Chances Created – 8
Expected Goals – 0.36
Brighton come into the Leeds game sitting in 13th place in the table, just one point ahead of Leeds, and Rutter is yet to score a goal.
According to FotMob, he has no goals and two assists from eight appearances so far, as he looks to recapture his best form against Leeds.