Since they secured promotion to the Premier League for the first time in their history in 2017, Brighton & Hove Albion have carved out a fine reputation in England’s elite division.
Not only do they produce an exciting and attacking style of play on a weekly basis – which has been more evident in the last three seasons – they have not shied away from giving teenagers a tryout in the first team.
This has sometimes caused envy amongst rival clubs domestically and in Europe, owing to how talented some of their young crop have proven to be in the Premier League.
Brighton take on Crystal Palace on match week 18 and if they are to get one over on their biggest rivals, the teenagers will almost certainly play their part for Roberto De Zerbi’s side.
Brighton’s Teenagers
Since the start of 2023, Brighton‘s teenagers have made an impressive 99 appearances for the club in the Premier League. It’s by far the most a team can boast for players aged 20 and under in a calendar year since the league’s inauguration in 1992.
The likes of Evan Ferguson, Carlos Baleba, Jack Hinshelwood, Facundo Buonanotte, Ansu Fati, Bart Verbruggen and Simon Adingra have featured prominently in the 2023/24 campaign so far.
Julio Enciso and Benicio Baker-Boaitey haven’t been afforded as much game time, especially with Enciso’s long-term injury but it’s more than fair to assume the Paraguayan international would have made the starting XI several times if he was fit.
Brighton’s teenage prodigies will no doubt hold the club in good stead moving forward. Ferguson is often linked with a move to a Premier League ‘big six’ club and the money they’ll generate from his potential sale will likely be used on signing more young stars.
The remarkable rise of Evan Ferguson. 💫 Live on our YouTube channel now! 📺🍿
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) December 19, 2023
Stats For Brighton’s Teenagers
This season alone, nine teenagers have featured for Brighton in the Premier League and only Tottenham in 1993 (10) and Middlesbrough in 2006 (10) have had more appear in a calendar year in the competition.
Against Crystal Palace, the Seagulls will almost certainly have surpassed 100 teenage Premier League appearances this year as they take on their fierce rivals in the M23 derby.
The game itself is one of the more unusual football rivalries in English football, you can have a look at the origins of why it exists here.
In terms of goals, Evan Ferguson has scored six times in the Premier League this season, Simon Adingra has four, Ansu Fati two with Jack Hinshelwood and Facundo Buonanotte scoring one each.
2023/24 Brighton Teenage Premier League Stats
- Evan Ferguson – (16 appearances, 6 goals, 0 assists)
- Simon Adingra – (16 appearances, 4 goals, 1 assist)
- Carlos Baleba – (10 appearances, 0 goals, 0 assists)
- Ansu Fati – (9 appearances, 2 goals, 1 assist)
- Facundo Buonanotte (9 appearances, 1 goal, 1 assist)
- Bart Verbruggen (8 appearnaces, 13 conceded, 0 clean sheets)
- Jack Hinshelwood (6 appearances, 1 goal, o assists)
- Julio Enciso (2 appearances, 0 goals, 2 assists)
- Benicio Baker-Boaitey (2 appearances, o goals, 0 assists)
Crystal Palace Vs Brighton
The first M23 derby of the season will be played under the lights at Selhurst Park on Thursday 21st December 2023, with the last four Premier League games between the sides in south London ending 1-1.
Their overall record against each other since Brighton returned to the top-flight is pretty equal. 12 games played, three wins each and six draws.
Brighton did run out 1-0 winners the last time they met with Solly March scoring the decisive goal on 15 minutes. Who will come away with the bragging rights on Thursday night?
The best best UK betting sites make Roberto De Zerbi’s side the match favourites at 27/20, with the draw 5/2 and Crystal Palace 9/4.
Add Sportslens to your Google News Feed!
