The lowdown on Georginio Rutter

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Having joined late in the summer transfer window, here's what Albion fans can expect from our new French forward.

Richie Mills

2024-09-09T09:00+01:00

Georginio Rutter can “create something out of nothing” and has the potential to be worth “every penny and then some” of the fee Albion paid for him.

That is according to Yorkshire Evening Post journalist, Joe Donnohue, who believes Albion have an exciting talent on their hands following his August move from Leeds United on a five-year contract.

He added that the 22-year-old, who scored eight goals and bagged 16 assists in all competitions last season for the Championship side, is still a bit “raw” for the Premier League, but it may not be too long before Albion supporters see him at his “instinctive” best.

“Brighton fans can expect an exciting player who can create something out of nothing, shrug off challenges and link up really well with one-and-two-touch passing around the box,” said Donnohue.

“He's still a little raw for the Premier League, but the progress he showed in one Championship season, coupled with his age and the environment he's working in at Brighton, makes me think it won't be long before he's up to speed.

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“Off the pitch, he'll likely be a fan favourite – a great personality and a genuine zest for life type of guy. He's the type of player who's better when he doesn't have time to think; more instinctive.”

Among other Championship forwards in 2023/24, Rutter was in the top five per cent for assists, progressive passes and carries, successful take-ons, passes into the penalty area, shot-creating actions, and fouls drawn.

Indeed, Leeds Live journalist Beren Cross said the France under-21 international was, on occasion, unrivalled in the English second division.

“At his best, he was a cheat code in the second tier and was even pulled up by Leeds manager Daniel Farke on one occasion for being a little too unkind in his embarrassment of opponents,” he said. “Rutter’s flair and dribbling skills were unmatched in the Championship last season.”

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Donnohue added, “He’s a strong ball-carrier, technically very gifted and doesn't lack confidence. If you get him into a rhythm with the attacking pieces around him, you can expect him to flourish.”

So where will Rutter be most effective for Fabian Hurzerler’s men?

“His best position is as the No. 10, in my opinion,” said Donnohue. “That way he's at the centre of whatever's happening from an attacking standpoint and crucially, he's more likely to contribute on the transition where his size and gait can really create a separation between him and an opponent, as opposed to if he was further up the pitch as the frontman.

“He can lead the attack but will drop deep to get on the ball and he's pretty comfortable coming off the right wing as well.

“However, he needs to improve his shooting. He maybe doesn’t select the best opportunities and can sometimes rush himself.”

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Rutter joined Leeds from Hoffenheim in January 2023 but made just three starts in 13 appearances in all competitions as the Yorkshire outfit were relegated from the Premier League.

But, in the Championship, Rutter came alive. Cheered on by an adoring fanbase, the Frenchman lit up the league.

“It might be a little while before he really kicks into gear at Brighton with the number of attacking options at Hurzeler's disposal,” Donnohue added.

“But once he's in a rhythm of playing regular games, contributing tangibly and enjoying his football, he has the potential to be worth every penny of the fee paid and then some.”