Maupay hungry for more goals

Neal Maupay aims to better his ten Premier League goals for this season when the new campaign kicks off. 

The French forward is top scorer with Sunday’s game at Burnley to come and he cited his second season at former club Brentford when he scored 28 goals, having netted 12 times in his first year with the Bees, as evidence of potential improvement. 

“I hope I can replicate some of that here at Brighton,” he said. “In my first season at Brentford I scored 12 goals then I got 28 the following season – hopefully I can do the same next season for Brighton. 

“The first season is always one where you’re learning and have been so many things going on that are nothing to do with football this year. 

“We had to stop for three months so it’s not been easy. I have learned a lot about myself and feel I have improved on the field. I think I can build on it and do better next year. 

“Every season is a challenge and I never take anything for granted. I know I will have to work really hard to be able to do that.”

Maupay hit the ground running for Graham Potter’s men, netting as a second-half substitute in the 3-0 win over Watford on the opening day. 

“It’s never easy to change league and come into a new team with a new manager and everything else, but I am happy with the season,” Maupay added. 

“I do feel like I could have had more goals and done better though, I am a winner and always want more. But for a first year it’s been good and as a team we secured another season in the Premier League. 

“I read that we have never lost when I score - that means I have to score more often. We’ll win more games that way!”

A double figures return for his first top flight season in England is still an impressive achievement, and the 23-year-old has relished the challenge of mixing it with the best. 

“I knew I was coming into the best league in the world,” he said. 

“There were no surprises for me, but when you get out onto the field against big teams of course it’s different. 

“The teams and players are of a really high level so there are no easy games.

“You have to be ready for fight for everything but that’s why I joined Brighton – to try and improve and face the next challenge. I’m really excited for the future, both for myself and the club.”