Mahmoud Dahoud’s ability has never been in doubt but the best is yet to come from Albion's new midfielder.
That’s according to Fotbollskanalen writer Keven Bader, who has followed the German international’s progress at Borussia Dortmund for six years.
The 27-year-old, who ended a six-year stint with the Bundesliga side to sign for Albion this week, played 141 times for Dortmund and Bader feels the former Borussia Monchengladbach star will shine in the Premier League.
“He is very good with the ball and his technique and vision are impressive. He isn’t the biggest player but he holds onto the ball well. He is a playmaker, and at times he can be the complete player,” said Bader.
“When he is in the mood Dahoud is a top player – and to get him on a free transfer is a great bit of business. I think he can excel in the Premier League. He can certainly handle himself in difficult and tight situations. He has a good shot on him too."
Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi appreciates a player’s versatility, with Pascal Gross being a prime example of that having played in midfield and defence.
Dahoud could follow a similar path, and could operate in a number of positions in the centre of the park.
“His best position is as a six, or in a more attacking role as an eight. I wouldn’t say he is a number ten, though. He is in his element in the centre of midfield where he can pass the ball to his teammates,” added Bader. “He is an elegant and technical footballer. When he has the ball, he feels very free.”
Dahoud, who is an effective presser and is not afraid to get stuck into tackles, played nine times for Dortmund last season, with injuries curtailing his minutes in the first team.
Despite that, Bader suggested the Syrian-born ace, who scored five goals and bagged 17 assists for Dortmund, never quite shone in the way some would have predicted after joining the German giants in 2017.
While six managerial stints since Thomas Tuchel’s departure in 2017 may not have helped his cause in tying down regular minutes, De Zerbi may be the man to polish this diamond – who has plenty of Champions League experience.
“He has never been a player who plays every single game and has been an essential part of Dortmund because they have had so many coaches over the years. One thing that stands out this season was that he was hampered by injuries but when he did play, he played really well,” said Bader.
“In the end, he got injured, so he couldn’t have a better ending at Dortmund. He is like a raw diamond that never got to play a central part in the team. He did a great job at Borussia Monchengladbach and I thought he would do more at Dortmund but because of different coaches and their playing styles it never quite happened.
“It is tough for Dortmund as they are losing him and Jude Bellingham (who has signed for Real Madrid) at the same time. But it is a good new start for him to come to a team like Brighton – a side where I think his style of play will fit in nicely.
“I think he can thrive at Brighton, especially with how they are playing now under Roberto De Zerbi. Having a player of his skills will fit perfectly into their playing style.”