The versatile midfielder’s clinical transformation in the number ten role provides a timely scoring boost, fueling Albion’s European charge while sparking conversations of a surprise England call-up.
Jack Hinshelwood opened the scoring for Brighton inside 40 seconds against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
His third consecutive goal in the Premier League, as his turn in goalscoring form has come at the right time for the Seagulls.
The Worthing-born midfielder has been one of the stories of Albion's recent history. Since he was first introduced to the side under Roberto De Zerbi in 2024, Hinshelwood has become a staple of the squad. Able to operate in multiple positions, he is vital for Fabian Hürzeler's system.
The German head coach has used Hinshelwood at right-back, left-back, holding midfield/box-to-box, up-front, and most recently in the number 10 role. It didn't start easily for him, but with the drop in form of Georginio Rutter, Albion needed someone to link up play and create chances. Most importantly, replace the art of Diego Gomez's box-crashing capabilities.
For a while, Hinshelwood was missing an abundance of big chances. While he was getting himself in the right positions, his finishing ability was certainly below par. With that being said, the reassuring part was certainly the former. Having a knack for knowing a position and being in the right place at the right time is a natural gift, as well as a sign of a strong IQ.
Hinshelwood has always been described as a player far beyond his years, and hence his ability to cover multiple positions. Everybody knows that in the modern game, players simply should be able to cover at least three areas of the pitch comfortably to be considered at the top level.
Now, the chances have turned into goals. Four goals since his move into the 10, and despite not having his best game at Newcastle previously, he still finished his chance sublimely.
With that being said, Albion are arguably stronger in their build-up and attacking play when Georginio is on the pitch, and it begs the question of how Hürzeler can get the best out of all of the players in his squad.
Hinshelwood's place is certainly not up for grabs at the moment, and the manner in which he is scoring goals is coming at the perfect time for Albion's European run-in. Their 3-0 win over Wolves and a combination of results going their way, like Everton, Chelsea and Brentford all dropping points this weekend, has put them in a very serious position for Europa League qualification.
There are two more huge games left, but Hinshelwood's goalscoring form shows no signs of letting up at the moment. A late push for the England squad for the 21-year-old talent?