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Skills stats add up for Dunk

Lewis Dunk is enjoying his best Premier League season on the ball for Albion and the numbers speak for themselves.

By Alex Stedman • 26 February 2020

By Paul Hazlewood
Albion skipper Lewis Dunk.

The skipper already has four assists, double the number he achieved last season. He ranks sixth in the passes completed rankings with 87% - his best performance since the Seagulls were promoted to the top flight in 2017. Dunk is also averaging 70 passes per game, that number was 42 last season. 

He said, “From a personal point of view they are nice statistics. When I looked at the list and saw the players around me there’s obviously some big names there.

“We’ve changed our style this season and those numbers probably show that it suits me and that I’m doing okay. I’m enjoying my football at the moment.

“The football philosophy has changed here, and we were always going to have more of the ball and I like to think I’ve always had the capability to play that way.

“It’s good to be a part of but obviously it brings its own challenges too. You have to make sure you do it at the right times and also be confident in your ability to play through the lines when you can. 

“Sometimes you will give the ball away, and we have been punished on a few occasions for that this season. We know the risks, but we try to keep them as low as we can and stick to our ideas.”

02:09

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Highlights: Sheffield United 1 Albion 1

Those principles had to be adjusted last weekend when Graham Potter’s men visited Bramall Lane and produced a defensively resolute performance to draw 1-1 against Sheffield United. 

“Last Saturday we did the other side of the game,” said Dunk. “It’d a tough place to go and they are relentless.

“At times it felt like their whole team was in the box when they were crossing the ball and we had to grit our teeth and show we can do that defensive side as well. 

“We were excellent in that regard but, on the ball, we could have been a bit better, although that’s easier said than done sometimes.”

24:45

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The Big Interview: Lewis Dunk

Head coach Potter has altered Albion’s formation during games on several occasions and Dunk says being versatile will continue to be important in the closing weeks of the season.

“We’re adaptable and I enjoy being part of three at the back or a four-man defence. It doesn’t make a difference to me and I’m comfortable with whatever the boss decides. 

“But it’s good to be able to switch it up, especially during matches as we have done at some points this season.

“Everyone understands what they’re doing and can change their roles during a game. We’ve all learnt so much from the head coach and we understand his ways of working.”

By Paul Hazlewood
Bruno hands over the armband to Lewis Dunk.

Dunk took over the captaincy at the start of the season from Bruno, who remains an important figure around the squad in his new role on the coaching staff. 

“It’s a new challenge, I was vice-captain last year and was captain on occasions too, so I did get a taster. 

“Now I’m in charge of the dressing room but I’ve still got things I can learn and get better at. 

“I’m enjoying the process and just trying to do my best every day. It’s an honour to be skipper my hometown club in the best league in the world and hopefully I can continue to do that for a long time. 

“Bruno’s still very much involved here day to day and we’re all enjoying his work on the training field. His coaching style suits the boss and he’s loving it too. 

“He’s great to have around the place. I still speak to him - he’s always given me advice as a player, and I’ve grown up with him from a young age. He still helps me now and I appreciate everything he’s done for me.”