- Danny Welbeck finished as Brighton’s top scorer with 13 goals
- Yankuba Minteh led the squad for assists
- Bart Verbruggen played every Premier League minute
Brighton & Hove Albion’s 2025/26 campaign will be remembered as another step forward under Fabian Hurzeler. European qualification was secured once again, several young players continued their development, and established stars delivered when called upon.
While the season was defined by collective progress, certain individuals stood out across the squad’s key Premier League metrics. From goals and assists to defensive contributions and minutes played, these were Brighton’s statistical leaders.
Danny Welbeck – Top Goalscorer (13)
Danny Welbeck finished as Brighton’s leading Premier League scorer with 13 goals, comfortably ahead of every other player in the squad. In fact, the next highest goalscorer managed just five league goals, underlining how important Welbeck was in the final third.
It was the best goalscoring season of the veteran striker’s career and a reminder of his enduring quality. While Brighton’s attack often shared responsibilities, Welbeck remained the one player supporters could consistently rely on to find the back of the net.
Yankuba Minteh – Most Assists (4)
Four assists may not seem like a huge total, but Brighton’s creativity was spread throughout the squad. No fewer than 16 different players registered a Premier League assist during the campaign.
Minteh’s four assists were enough to top the rankings and highlighted flashes of the exciting talent that persuaded Brighton to sign him. The Gambian winger showed moments of real quality throughout the season. The next challenge is eliminating the inconsistency that sometimes crept into his performances and becoming a reliable creator every week.
Bart Verbruggen – Most Minutes (3,420)
No Brighton player was used more than Bart Verbruggen. The Dutch goalkeeper played every single minute of the Premier League season, finishing with 3,420 minutes.
His performances matched his durability. Verbruggen recorded 10 clean sheets and produced many important saves across the campaign. With speculation continuing over his future and a World Cup approaching, Brighton fans will hope they can hold onto one of the division’s most promising goalkeepers.
Babis Kostoulas – Highest xG per 90 (0.54)
There is plenty of excitement surrounding Babis Kostoulas and the numbers explain why. The young forward posted an expected goals figure of 0.54 per 90 minutes, the highest in the Brighton squad.
The opportunities are clearly there. Now it is about turning those chances into goals consistently. Kostoulas also led the squad for shots per 90 (5.4) and shots on target per 90 (2), showing he regularly finds dangerous positions. If confidence grows alongside experience, Brighton could have a marquee player on their hands.
Lewis Dunk – Most Accurate Passes per 90 (73)
Lewis Dunk remains the heartbeat of Brighton’s build-up play. The captain completed 73 accurate passes per 90 minutes, more than any other player in the squad.
While uncertainty surrounds the future of Jan Paul van Hecke, Dunk’s importance remains unchanged. The centre-back has spent his entire career with Brighton and continues to be one of the calmest defenders in possession in the Premier League. Mr Reliable once again lived up to the name.
Georginio Rutter – Most Offsides (11)
Georginio Rutter’s season never fully caught fire. The forward finished with three goals and three assists in the Premier League but struggled to influence matches consistently.
His 11 offsides were the highest total in the squad and perhaps reflected a player trying a little too hard to force moments to happen. Rutter’s willingness to run beyond defences is an asset, but improving his timing and adding more end product could make a significant difference next season.
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Diego Gomez – Most Fouls Conceded (48)
Diego Gomez’s work rate is impossible to question. The midfielder consistently pressed opponents and looked to win possession back for his side.
However, that aggression sometimes came at a cost. Gomez conceded 48 fouls during the campaign, the highest total in the squad. He also averaged 3.3 tackles per 90, another team-leading statistic. The tenacity is clearly there. The next step is refining the execution and making sure he wins the ball more often than the man.
Mats Wieffer – Most Defensive Contributions per 90 (12.8)
Mats Wieffer topped Brighton’s squad for defensive contributions per 90 minutes with 12.8. It is a statistic that reflects the work he has done in a role that was never supposed to be his long-term position.
Many supporters would still prefer to see Wieffer operating in midfield, where Brighton originally intended to use him after spending significant money to bring him to the club. Yet his performances at right-back deserve credit. Week after week he has filled a difficult role, worked tirelessly out of possession and provided a reliable stop-gap solution.
Lewis Dunk – Most Yellow Cards (10)
No Brighton player collected more yellow cards than Lewis Dunk’s 10. Then again, it would almost be strange if the captain did not pick up a suspension at some point during a season.
The bookings are often a consequence of his role. Dunk regularly puts himself on the line for the team, breaks up attacks and accepts the occasional caution when required. It is part and parcel of being Brighton’s defensive leader and not something supporters are likely to complain about anytime soon.
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