Wieffer's surprising right-back success clashes with Veltman's veteran consistency. Where does this midfield star truly belong on the pitch?
Fabian Hürzeler’s Brighton have continued their incredible form, with a 3-0 win over Chelsea.
Wieffer may not have had his best game, as Joel Veltman filled the gap during the second half very well. As we all know, Wieffer is supposed to be a midfielder! Where should he fit in for Hürzeler’s side?
Looking back to Burnley a few weeks ago, the star of the show was a surprise package, in none other than Dutch international, and makeshift right-back, Mats Wieffer!
Wieffer has had an interesting career at Brighton. Largely struggling with finding a consistent place in the side, before being preferred out on the right by head coach Hurzeler.
When Wieffer was first signed by Brighton from PSV for around £25 million, he was associated with being one of the ‘best deep-lying midfielders in the world’. In truth, Albion haven’t really seen that side of his game.
With that being said, his statistics still lie heavily in that favour. Wieffer’s ball-winning capabilities are fantastic. In duals, he ranks highly amongst the squad.
A first-ever brace in his career was enough to win the game against Burnley at the weekend. The goals were superbly well taken, too. The first is simply being in the right place at the right time and slotting home well with his left foot. The slight scuff on the shot is probably what helped it past the keeper and into the bottom corner!
The second goal was magnificent, truly. Amongst a half of relatively low quality, even with a bobbling ball heading towards the edge of the box, a well-struck side-footed effort was swept into the side netting and past the experienced Martin Dubravka. A touch of class amongst the scrappy nature of the game!
The timing of the goals was when Albion needed them most, and a potential sign of a lot more to come from Wieffer. His career has taken a while to feel like it’s gotten going at the club, but his quality is clear to see.
Ironically, his best qualities are shown when he either inverts into midfield or naturally drifts centrally. Seeing as the goals both came from box crashing or sitting on the edge of the box. Which says more about Wieffer’s midfield capabilities than anything else!
The total opposite can be said for Joel Veltman. Veltman has been one of the most consistent right-backs for Brighton in recent years. The cheap £900k signing from Ajax has proved to be one of the modern heroes at the Amex, but has largely been excluded by Hürzeler.
Last night proved one thing: Veltman has still got it… and he is a very effective right-back. The stability on the right felt way more natural. Fewer gaps were left in behind, and his well-timed last-ditch challenges and reading of the game worked magnificently. Wieffer struggled at Spurs, too, and calls for Veltman to be recalled to the squad existed before the game.
Perhaps I am slightly biased as an Albion fan, who’d love to see him in his natural position. Alongside Carlos Baleba, there seems to be far too much talent to afford to waste.
The two of them could prove to be very effective as the season nears its end. With Brighton on the cusp of European football, the Seagulls will need to utilise their squad as effectively as possible.
Wieffer’s goals have shot him up in the fan estimations, and his consistent performances have warranted his appreciation. While not a natural right-back, he has coped largely well.
Seeing Wieffer slot back into midfield would surely prove to be a productive move for the Albion, especially considering his ball-winning qualities and known ability in duals. Slightly more confidence in his role, and there is a seriously talented player in there, as we all know!
The aforementioned inverting is coming good for the Seagulls, and with Kaoru Mitoma and Yankuba Minteh back fit together, an exciting end to the season awaits!