Club news

Izquierdo Happy With Premier League Improvement

By Alex Stedman • 04 March 2018

Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Jose Izquierdo believes fans are now seeing the best of him after a period of adaption to the Premier League.

The summer arrival from Club Brugge faces Arsenal today having enjoyed a successful February last month – the Colombian was nominated for ‘Goal of the Month’ twice after two stunning strikes against West Ham United and Stoke City respectively, as Albion went the month unbeaten in the top flight.  

He said, “Physically, the players are massive and I have other abilities which are my strengths.

“That told me I needed to change, to improve physically and to improve my best features.

"I think the moment we are in now is a reflection of that work and we have improved so much since then. 

"The Izquierdo that arrived here is different to the Izquierdo now. I have learnt from the coach, team-mates, all the people I have contact with.” 

The Seagulls host Arsenal at the Amex Stadium this afternoon unbeaten in their last six matches in all competitions – the reverse fixture at the Emirates Stadium back in October ended in a 2-0 defeat, and the wide-man has fond memories of his first Albion start despite the result.

"I was playing against players that I watched before on TV, and it was like a dream come true. You only watched the games on TV, now you are on the TV!

"It was a massive experience and I really enjoyed it, losing was obviously the bad part but the experience stays in your memory.

“They are a very good team, a top team in England. But you learn. At the moment we are in good shape and each player is doing well in his position, so we will see what happens this weekend."

Arsene Wenger’s men have faced league leaders Manchester City twice in the last week, in the Carabao Cup final and the Premier League respectively.

Izquierdo revealed that he had watched both matches and had learnt from watching Pep Guardiola’s men and their success so far this season.

“I watched both games, the moment Manchester City are in is incredible. They play football so easily and each game is different.

“Now they (Arsenal) come here to Brighton and I hope we can play well. We are coming into it with confidence and good results behind us so I hope we can make ourselves and the fans happy." 

"Always if I watch games I try to learn about other players in my position also and I pay attention to the players on my side (of the pitch).

"You are always learning, not just enjoying watching the game.”