Ruth: Players’ flexibility helps us be successful

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Bruce Talbot

2024-12-01T06:00+00:00

Zane Albarus has shown his ability in different roles this season. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

Shannon Ruth believes his players willingness to play in different positions has helped them enjoy a successful start to the season.

The under-21s are unbeaten in both the National League Cup and Premier League International Cup and could climb to the top of Premier League 2 if they beat Arsenal on Sunday and leaders Manchester City drop points at Sunderland on Saturday.

In Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Anderlecht, Zane Albarus impressed at right-back having played in central midfield in last week’s League Cup win against Reading. There have been lots of other examples already this season of his players’ ability to thrive in different roles, according to their head coach.

Ruth said, “That flexibility a real element we go after in the academy because what we've seen is that young players don't always make their debuts in their main position.

“Also, with our style being so distinctive as a Brighton team giving the players different build-up opportunities and different spaces to fill helps gets to a place where the team looks fluid and smooth.

“But you've also got to be connected and have good cohesion because otherwise teams break and are on you and if you lose structure that's when teams hit you on transition and can hurt you.

“We always go after the process and we hope that gives us more positive results than it does negative. We’re certainly having a lot of positive results at the moment, but we know Arsenal is going to be another tough challenge.”