Izquierdo: Stoke Strike Was Best Yet

Brighton & Hove Albion winger Jose Izquierdo believes that his goal in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Stoke City eclipses his long-range strike against West Ham United.

The Colombian ended a slick passing move involving Solly March and Dale Stephens to score his fourth goal of the season, and admits that the goal was his best yet in an Albion shirt.

He said, “This one was the best one because it was a team move that we did together.

“It was a quality goal. Solly and Dale understand me more each game. They played a good one-two and I was pleased with my finish.

"It’s through training every day that they know me and I know them.

“The goal is not for me, it is for them. If they don’t give me the ball back perfectly, it’s impossible to score like this.

“The ball that I received from Solly is perfect to give with one touch. The ball I received from Dale is millimetre-perfect to take the ball, go inside and shoot.

“If you don’t have players with quality it is impossible.”

Izquierdo also spoke about how tight the bottom half of the Premier League is, and stressed the importance of every one of Albion’s 11 remaining games of the season.

“In each interview, I have said that each game we have is like a final and whenever I have an opportunity to play, I will give everything for the club.

“We know the situation. There are a lot of teams that are only separated by one or two points, so we have to take our chances and keep believing that we can stay in the Premier League.

“Personally, my confidence is good and I’m getting more confidence from my teammates too.”