Interviews

Buonanotte: I need to prove I can be counted on

The Argentinian has started our last two Premier League matches.

By Charlie Hanson • 08 December 2023

By James Boardman
Facundo Buonanotte will be hoping to make it three consecutive starts in the Premier League when Albion face Burnley on Saturday.

Facundo Buonanotte wants to continue his recent form and prove to the coaching staff and his teammates that he can be counted on.

The 18-year-old scored his first Premier League goal of the season against Chelsea last Sunday with a lovely curling finish, and followed it up with an impressive performance in our 2-1 win over Brentford.

“I’m really happy to have this continuity,” the Argentinian said. “I played the match at Chelsea and now I have played again in the next match. I’m getting minutes, I’m getting confidence.

“I’m grateful to the coaching staff for putting this confidence in me and giving me these minutes.

02:25

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PL Highlights: Chelsea 3 Brighton 2

“I think the goal at Chelsea and also having minutes from the start of games are both important for me. I’m having more contact with the Premier League and I am very happy.

“It is important for me to transmit that confidence to my team-mates and to the coaches, so that they know I can play and I am one more they can count on.”

Roberto De Zerbi said in his pre-Brentford press conference that Facundo needs to work on being at his peak for the full 90 minutes of a game, having been substituted in both of the last two Premier League games.

By James Boardman
Facundo Buonanotte scored an excellent goal against Chelsea last weekend.

“I think the physical aspect is something we have in South America, in Argentina,” Facundo added. “We are players who know how to battle. Certainly for me, with my personality that is not negotiable. You have to leave everything out on the pitch, that is something I will always do.”

The Argentina international turns 19 on 23 December and his family are heading over from his homeland to celebrate.

“My girlfriend is with me now and next week my parents and my friend are coming and I’m really happy about that. We can celebrate my birthday.

“Brighton is a really nice city. I love it here and when I have some spare time I like to go out and walk around and make the most of it.”