At a glance
- Hiroki Ito fits Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton system
- Ball-playing defender ideal for build-up structure
- Tactical versatility suits Brighton’s high-press style
Brighton’s reported interest in Hiroki Ito is no coincidence. Ito’s profile aligns almost perfectly with how Fabian Hurzeler wants his side to play.
The 26-year-old Japanese international is not a traditional centre-back. He is a modern, system-driven defender whose strengths lie as much in possession as they do out of it. And that is exactly what Brighton require.
To understand how Ito really functions, it’s better to look at his style during his time at Stuttgart, where he was consistently playing. At Bayern, Ito has suffered limited game time due to injury and being lower in the pecking order.
At Stuttgart, Ito operated primarily as a left-sided centre-back across multiple systems, including a 4-2-3-1, 4-4-2, and 3-4-3. But more important than his starting position was his function. He was a key figure in build-up, often stepping into midfield zones or tucking inside from left-back to maintain structure.
That role translates directly to Hurzeler’s Brighton.
Ito’s Role in Possession
In possession, Brighton typically build in a 4-1 base, with central overloads forming ahead of the defensive line. The responsibility on the wider centre-backs is not just to circulate possession, but to progress it. This is where Ito stands out.
During Stuttgart’s 2023/24 campaign, Ito averaged close to five passes into the final third per game, alongside a strong pass completion rate of nearly 89%. More tellingly, he ranked highly for build-up involvement, highlighting his role as a facilitator rather than just a distributor.
Brighton’s system relies heavily on attracting pressure before breaking lines quickly. Ito’s decision-making fits this perfectly. He has a clear understanding of when to play vertically, when to recycle, and when to switch play to isolate wide players which is a key part of Brighton’s attacking structure.
His left-footedness also adds a crucial dimension. Brighton often look to stretch the pitch quickly once pressure is broken, and having a natural left-sided distributor opens cleaner passing angles into wide areas or central overloads.
There is also his composure under pressure. Hurzeler’s system invites the opposition press, creating what can feel like artificially chaotic moments in deep build-up. Ito thrives in exactly those scenarios. He is comfortable receiving under pressure, capable of carrying the ball forward, and rarely forced into rushed decisions.
Defensive Fit in Brighton’s System
Out of possession, the fit is just as clear. Brighton are one of the most aggressive pressing teams in the Premier League, aiming to win the ball high and create immediate attacking opportunities. This requires a defensive line that can hold a high position while maintaining control of space behind them.
Ito is not an overly aggressive defender in terms of tackling volume, but his game is built on anticipation and positioning. He reads danger early, defends space intelligently, and is particularly strong in wide defensive areas, a useful trait in a system where full-backs often push high.
His experience at left-back also gives him the mobility to cover transitions, an essential requirement in a high-line, high-press system.
READ MORE: Who is Brighton target Hiroki Ito? – Read Brighton | Read Brighton
Why Brighton Are Targeting Ito
Perhaps most importantly, his versatility offers Hurzeler tactical flexibility. Whether Brighton shift into a back three during build-up or require structural adjustments mid-game, Ito has already shown he can adapt across multiple roles without disrupting the system.
However, there are some concerns. Injuries have disrupted his recent development, and adapting to the Premier League’s physical intensity is never guaranteed. But stylistically, the fit is clear.
Ito is being targeted by the Seagulls because he can enhance what is already working. He is a player capable of improving build-up fluidity, strengthening defensive structure, and fitting seamlessly into a system built on control and calculated aggression.
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