Brighton & Hove Albion secured an automatic promotion spot this season, thanks to the manner in which Chris Hughton has discharged his managerial tutelage with sheer professionalism coupled with the spirited performances from his men who haven’t failed to amaze. They would have the chance of plying their trade in the reputed top flight of English football, the very prospect of which is hugely appealing.
However, next term, when the Seagulls would have to battle against the elite clubs of the country, they would have to assemble themselves and carve a fine pedestal for themselves by constructing a core team with a perfect blend of youngsters and proven gladiators. Players with Premier League experience should be vouched for by Hughton and reportedly, one of the players whom he has put on his radar is Manchester City’s veteran midfielder, Yaya Toure.
Toure didn’t have the best of starts under Pep Guardiola’s reign at the Etihad Stadium. It is still unclear whether he is a key figure in Guardiola’s tactical nous or not and that indeed erects some serious doubts over his stay at the blue half of Manchester beyond the ongoing campaign. Intriguingly, his contract expires in the summer and could reject any deal to confine him to his current club. Now, with the interest of other English clubs to lure him in their ranks, including Brighton & Hove might actually tempt the 33-year-old to make a move in the summer.
So far this season, the former Ivory Coast international has collected 22 Premier League appearances under his belt, scoring 4 goals in the process with a handsome pass accuracy of 89.2%. Besides, he has made 0.7 key passes, 1.5 tackles, 0.6 interceptions, 1.5 clearances, 0.2 blocks per game on an average. Though his stats might not be very impressive, he is still believed to be one of the finest midfield commanders which Premier League has on offer.
Toure offers a burst of pace with neat control, jots jaw-dropping passes, knows how to knit the team together and has excellent leadership qualities and leads from the front. Moreover, he lashes onto making shrewd tackles, is a threatening force during the counter-attacks and his vision is simply exemplary. If Hughton manages to lure the former Barcelona midfielder to the American Express Community Stadium, he would have the chance to inject a player with volumes of experience and winning attitude which will help his troops in staying in the top tier.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored.com
