Brighton 2-0 Burnley: View from the pressbox
Brighton’s £30m signing impresses ahead of a Manchester double header
Brighton's comfortable 2-0 win against Burnley may soon be forgotten by many but it will live long in the memory for Charalampos Kostoulas.
The young Greek striker impressed on his first Premier League start and will hope to retain his spot at Manchester City on Wednesday night.
Kostoulas, 18, joined Brighton for around £30m last summer from Olympiacos but has had to be patient for first team minutes.
Fabian Hurzeler held back his young charge in the early part of the season as Kostoulas went through an "adaption process."
The striker was brought in - along with countryman Stefanos Tzimas - as Brighton took a long term view in replacing Joao Pedro, who moved to Chelsea for £60m.
Tzimas, who arrived in the summer for £22m from FC Nurnberg, was slightly ahead of Kostoulas in his development but his season ended abruptly as he sustained a knee injury in the 4-3 home loss to Aston Villa. He is now out for the season.
Danny Welbeck is Hurzeler’s main man
Veteran striker Danny Welbeck has been the main man in Brighton's attack this term, while Georginio has also been deployed as an out and out striker, with varying degrees of success.
Georginio has struggled at times this term and always looks far better in the deeper No 10 role. Against Burnley, Georginio played as a 10 and looked all the better as he scored the opener and linked well with Kostoulas.
Welbeck has been managing a back injury of late and Kostoulas was handed his chance against Scott Parker's lowly Burnley at the Amex Stadium last Saturday.
The Greek showed the speed, physicality and the finishing ability to show he can be a success in the Premier League. He was denied a goal after just 10 minutes when his well taken strike was ruled for the narrowest of offside decisions.
Kostoulas has X-factor and swagger
But his overall game impressed. His hold-up play was clean and tidy and he seems to have that little bit of X-factor and swagger that will serve him well as he makes his first steps in the Premier League.
"I was pleased," said Albion boss Hurzeler. "I think he worked good against the ball, he had two free chances, he created the chances, so overall I was happy with his performance."
Kostoulas may not start against Manchester City this Wednesday - much will depend on condition of Welbeck's 35-year-old back - but he will likely have a big role to play in Albion's Manchester double-header.
His first Brighton goal came from the bench in the league at Manchester United last October as he powered home a late header.
The confidence of that goal at Old Trafford will serve him well and don't be surprised to see him back in the XI for the third round FA Cup clash against the Red Devils on Sunday.
Hurzeler: This is just the start for Kostoulas
Brighton have been cautious with Kostoulas but his showing at the Amex Stadium last Saturday could be a game-changer for Brighton in the second half of the season.
Hurzeler added: "He shows it in every training session that he's ready to play.
“He had some challenges at the beginning, some different demands he faced here in the Premier League regarding physicality, regarding the mental side.
“But I was very pleased with how he developed in the last month and he got the rewards. I hope it was only the beginning and that he keeps pushing."
Continue Reading