Club news

Izquierdo Reflects On Best Performance

By James Hilsum • 02 January 2018

Brighton & Hove Albion winger Jose Izquierdo feels he produced his finest performance of the season so far against AFC Bournemouth, as the two sides shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw.

The Colombian put in an energetic display on the left flank and claimed two assists against the Cherries, setting up both Anthony Knockaert and Glenn Murray for their goals in each half.

He said, “I have got a lot of confidence since the start of the season and I think it’s my best game so far. I now need to keep working hard and wait for the games that come.

“Every game is important when I have the chance to play, but this was something new for me because it’s the first time I’ve played on New Year’s Day. It was amazing and something special.

“I am happy that I can make some good combinations with my team-mates and build up a better understanding with them. That’s important ahead of the games coming up.”

Izquierdo talked through both of his assists on the day, but was left disappointed not to take advantage of a one-v-one chance with Bournemouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, with the score at 2-1.

“I didn’t see him [Anthony Knockaert for the first goal], but normally in training the other wide player has to be close by, so I played the pass without seeing him. I knew a goal had been scored only when the crowd started to jump!

“The second one was a pass from Pascal [Gross] and I saw Glenn alone in the box, so I gave the ball to him directly. The keeper was coming towards me, so it was difficult to see the pass, but thankfully the goal came.

“I was running with the ball for my chance and when I went to take the shot, the ball took a bobble and then the keeper closed the space. He won the one-v-one.”

The winger also explained how much he is enjoying his defensive responsibilities in the team, and feels it is helping to develop his overall game.

“I am an attacking player, but I know that I have a defensive responsibility in my position. In the Premier League, the defenders also join in with the attacks, especially with set-pieces.

“I know I have to defend, which also gives me more space to attack going forwards.”