A free transfer signing, Boscagli overcomes perceived weaknesses to become a vital, skilful defender driving Brighton's European push.
Olivier Boscagli has struggled to make an immediate impact at Brighton after a long-awaited arrival into the first team under head coach Fabian Hürzeler.
The Seagulls completed the signing of Boscagli from PSV last year, on a free transfer. Much like many free transfers, they tend to be relatively unknown quantities until they kick a ball.
Brighton have had a lot of success with their free signings, with Danny Welbeck and Joel Veltman being the most notable in recent years.
Boscagli has had to wait his turn, with both Jan Paul Van Hecke and Lewis Dunk proving to be immovable objects in Hürzeler's starting 11. Rightly so, both of them are modern Brighton leaders, and the type of players who command a place in a starting spot. He has only made nine Premier League appearances from a possible 32. Boscagli is quite a different player from the duo.
Unlike most, the Dutchman stands at 5ft 11in, which is considered small for a centre-back in the Premier League.
Who is Olivier Boscagli?
He isn't known for his strong headers or crunching challenges, but his ability to read the game and play with the ball at his feet is his standout quality. A smooth passer and someone who can break lines with impressive through passes.
His height is made up for by his ability to step up aggressively and assert his body into an oncoming ball. His reading of the game can put him a few steps ahead of some forwards.
He played another impressive performance at Turf Moor, as Albion beat Burnley 2-0.
Initially, his potential drawbacks with his height were slightly worrying. Not being as physically dominant often left him backpedalling if he was beaten to a ball by a forward. The way he tries to account for that can also be a risky game, too, as stepping up naturally leaves big gaps behind him. With left-backs like Maxim De Cuyper not being as good defensively, this could be responsible for sloppy play at times.
Additionally, his fellow left-sided player is Ferdi Kadioglu. Kadioglu has quietly been one of Albion's best players this season, but he is a player who likes to play on the front foot. Of course, in transitions, this can have its obvious limitations when against talented Premier League-level forwards.
With that being said, Boscagli has been on an upward trajectory at the club. His performance has been assured, and another clean sheet at Burnley (albeit marinally, with the two offside goals) is something to be very happy about.
With Dunk not getting any younger and currently suspended, Boscagli could prove vital in the late push for European football.
A true definition of an underrated player, and a shrewd squad addition on a free transfer. With his natural leadership and calibre attained from winning the Eredivisie title with PSV last season, he also knows how to thrive in high-pressure moments. This is an invaluable asset for Hürzeler's men, as experience counts in these final huge games.