Rutter’s recent electric performances, particularly against Chelsea, hint at a resurgence. Can this confidence-driven talent finally deliver consistently for Brighton?
Only a few weeks ago, Brighton fan's perception on £40 million record signing Georginio Rutter from Leeds would have been very different to right now.
Georginio has had a frustrating season. Being in and out of the side as a player must be one of the most difficult parts of being a player with a lot of pressure on the shoulders. Someone who is still young, but expected to make a difference at the club.
During his 'Big Interview' on Sky Sports a few months ago, the feeling of a lack of confidence was very clear from his words. Someone who doesn't seem to believe he was good enough to make the big money moves as he was making in his career. The Frenchman has an undeniable quality. His ability to out work his opponent and make strong strides forward is fantastic to watch, and during a game like the recent 3-0 win over Chelsea, can be a difference maker on the pitch.
The issue has been doing this every week. Of course, we are not expecting him to become a player who plays like a robot, but to be able to witness his versatile qualities and be the stand-up figure within the squad as often as possible would be a dream for fans. We can all see it on the good days.
Georginio appears to be very much a 'confidence' player. When the fans are cheering his name, and he is regularly beating his man and creating meaningful actions, he feels it. His infectious personality and likability turned him into a very quick fans favourite.
Something changed in him after his well taken goal at Tottenham. A strong side footed effort found the roof of the net in the dying embers of a tough game. While the finish may be overlooked, a few weeks ago that ball would've flown over the bar. It wasn't an easy goal to score, but he made it look so.
This mood transcended onto the pitch against Chelsea. From the get-go, he was electric. A performance from the archives, and the Blues couldn't handle him. When he dispossessed Moises Caicedo to set up Jack Hinshelwood's goal, that was sheer determination and willingness to make something happen. His quality did the rest, out run his man, and put a well-weighted ball over to Hinshelwood, who finished well.
The type of player you want in your team when things are going well, but simply cannot give up on when they are not. Players who rely on confidence and external factors can often be misunderstood, but with Georginio, it feels like a bit of guidance truly does go a long way. Channelling emotions in the right way is the key to making these types of players into superstars, and we've seen it on many occasions. Just look at fellow former Albion Frenchman, Anthony Knockaert!
If this form is hitting now, the remaining games of the season become very exciting. An in-form Georginio with Leeds still yet to play away from home, Albion could well have their record-signing back on track.