At a glance
- Maxim De Cuyper impressed in Brighton’s win over Wolves
- Belgian defender created two early goals at the Amex
- Patience may finally be paying off for summer signing
Replacing Pervis Estupinan was never going to be easy.
For several seasons, the Ecuador international made Brighton’s left side one of the most dangerous attacking outlets in the Premier League. His energy, athleticism and aggressive overlapping runs became central to the way Brighton played under Roberto De Zerbi.
So when Maxim De Cuyper arrived from Club Brugge, expectations were naturally high. But adapting to the Premier League has taken time.
Maxim De Cuyper’s Slow Start at Brighton
The Belgian arrived with an excellent reputation after impressing in both domestic football and European competition, yet breaking into Fabian Hurzeler’s starting side consistently has proven difficult during his first season in England.
At times, he has had to remain patient while others received opportunities ahead of him.
Against Wolves, though, De Cuyper delivered his clearest reminder yet of why Brighton brought him to the club.
Inside the opening five minutes, he created two goals.
His floated cross for Jack Hinshelwood’s opener was weighted perfectly, while his in-swinging corner moments later allowed Lewis Dunk to double Brighton’s advantage with a powerful header.
Read More: Albion Star Reveals Champions League Inspiration
Why De Cuyper Impressed vs Wolves
Suddenly, the quality that Brighton supporters had been waiting to see consistently was impossible to ignore.
Hurzeler afterwards praised not only De Cuyper’s technical ability, but also the professionalism he has shown throughout a difficult first campaign.
The Brighton head coach admitted the defender has not had an easy season, but praised the way he has continued training intensely, remained patient and consistently put the team ahead of himself. That attitude matters.
Moving from Belgian football into the Premier League is already a significant jump physically and tactically. Doing so while competing with established international players for minutes only increases that challenge.
Yet De Cuyper never publicly complained. He kept working and now the rewards may finally be arriving.
There have been flashes previously. His goal against Chelsea showed his attacking quality, while several substitute appearances hinted at the creativity Brighton believed they were signing from Club Brugge. Wolves felt different though. This was not simply a promising cameo. This was genuine influence over a Premier League game.
His delivery from wide areas immediately transformed Brighton’s attacking threat, while his confidence in possession continued to grow as the match developed.
There is still room for improvement, naturally. Like many attack-minded full-backs adapting to English football, consistency defensively remains part of the learning process. But Brighton did not sign De Cuyper purely to defend deep and play safely. They signed him to create.
Also Read: Brighton’s Nineteen Different Goalscorers Show Why Fabian Hurzeler’s Message is Working
What Next for De Cuyper at Brighton
Against Wolves, he finally looked like a player beginning to fully understand his place within Hurzeler’s system.
And after months of patience, both from the player and the club, this performance may prove to be the moment his Brighton career truly starts moving forward.
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