Steve Sidwell believes Albion have every chance of building on their impressive first half of the season in 2023.
As the year comes to a close, the Seagulls sit in seventh place in the Premier League table, but the ex-Albion midfielder feels there is more to come from Roberto De Zerbi’s side.
“Although the start made under Roberto has been brilliant, these are still early days and I’m sure that there are things he’ll still want to implement,” Sidwell said. “That comes through hard work on the training ground and the recent break for the World Cup would have helped in that respect.
“With the quality of players he has at his disposal, there’s no reason why Brighton can’t kick on now, so I’m really looking forward to seeing how the team develops as the weeks and months go on.”
While De Zerbi has brought his own identity to the side, the ethos of attractive, attacking football brought by former head coach Graham Potter remains in place – and that continuity, according to Sidwell, is another reason for Albion’s success to date.
“I still speak to some of the players, and they say it’s been an easy transition, but I knew that would be the case because the club is run like no other really,” he added. “Everything is aligned and led by great people, who know the club inside out.
“That has no doubt helped the players hit the ground running, but it will also help the young players hoping to break through as there’s an identity that runs right through the club. It was also a good move to promote Crofty [Andrew Crofts] as he will not only have a positive input with the first team, but he has an extensive knowledge of the players coming though.”
Albion end the year with the visit of another of Sidwell’s former clubs, Arsenal, and he believes the table-topping Gunners can go all the way in the Premier League.
“Every question that’s been thrown at them this season, they’ve been answering. The big test will be Man City when it comes up, but they’ve got every chance of winning the league this season.
“That’s down to [Mikel] Arteta, whose remit when he went in was to change the ethos, the culture, and to bring the age down. Injuries could be an issue, with Gabriel Jesus being a big blow, but I’m enjoying watching them.
“With the way both teams play, it should make for an exciting and open game. I’m really looking forward to it.”
- You can read much more on Steve’s time with Albion and the Gunners in Saturday’s issue of the matchday programme. You can purchase a copy on the day at the Amex or online here.