Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey may have been on the losing side against his former club Chelsea last night but his performance drew glowing praise from his manager.
Speaking after the Seagulls’ 1-3 home defeat to Frank Lampard’s men in their Premier League opener, Graham Potter said of the 19-year-old: “Lamptey was fun to watch. Such energy, such personality and enthusiasm for the game. He’s still got lots to learn but his approach to football is refreshing.” [via Daily Mail]
Lamptey was involved in several of Brighton’s best passages of play during the game at the Amex Stadium. He floated an inviting cross towards Neal Maupay in the first half but the Frenchman missed the target with his header (as per Sky Sports).
Shortly after half-time, the teenage right-back saw a powerful shot at goal turned behind by Kurt Zouma but he soon notched the second assist of his Premier League career when he cut the ball back for Leandro Trossard to curl home Brighton’s equaliser before the visitors added two further goals later in the match. [via Sky Sports]
The 19-year-old contributed two key passes and recorded two successful dribbles, adding weight to Potter’s assertion that his performance was “fun to watch”, and it wasn’t just in an attacking sense that he impressed, either. He won three tackles and made three interceptions in carrying out his defensive duties, recording the joint-highest figures among the Seagulls’ line-up for both metrics (as per Sofascore).
Lamptey is still a raw talent only taking the first steps of his career – last night was just his 12th senior appearance – while Potter’s claim that he still has “lots to learn” was somewhat qualified by the youngster losing possession 27 times, the most of anyone on the pitch (as per Sofascore).
However, the recently-capped England under-21 international justified his selection in Albion’s line-up over Champions League semi-finalist Joel Veltman and was at the centre of some of his team’s best moments against Chelsea.
It is little wonder that his manager was so gushing in his praise of the prodigious teenager following his performance last night.
Brighton fans, how impressed were you with Lamptey’s overall performance against Chelsea? Comment below with your views!
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