Olivier Boscagli or Lewis Dunk: Who Starts?

Olivier Boscagli has slotted into Brighton's back line in recent weeks, due to the suspended Lewis Dunk, but who should keep the starting spot as the season run-in draws in?

Boscagli has been a surprise package for Brighton. Only recently, during the season, he explained how it had been tough to go from a title-winning PSV side to a bench player at Brighton. Annoyingly for the Monacan, both Jan Paul Van Hecke and Dunk have been consistent performers for Albion all season.

In recent games, he has proved his worth more, especially going forward. Boscagli's passing range and ability on the ball is very strong. Able to play smooth passes out wide, and with a nice range of motion. This, arguably, his key difference to a player like Dunk. 

Boscagli reads the game very well. Quite often, we've seen some smart interceptions and good touches in scenarios where a clearance or first-time pass may have appeared to be the better option. While this can be easy on the eye when it works, his backheel was met by an angry Van Hecke reaction during the Chelsea game, even at 2-0 up! 

The Premier League can be brutal to players like Boscagli. Being quite a small defender, physicality and positioning can catch up with you when you're pressing high.

He holds, moves with, and releases the ball much higher than Dunk, which can make for very nice passing lanes and building opportunities, while potentially opening up problems defensively. High risk, high-reward football. 

On the other hand, Lewis Dunk has been an iconic Brighton player at the back over a number of years. His ability both in and out of possession is undisputed amongst Brighton fans.

While Boscagli is very good on the ball, so is Dunk

The core difference is his leadership as the captain of the Seagulls. When Dunk is on the pitch, you can tell. His calmness and ability to make players around him better have been instrumental in his time at the club. Dunk was one of the first to get to grips with the possession-heavy football emphasised by the likes of Roberto De Zerbi, Graham Potter and Gus Poyet.

Most importantly, he adds to this with his defensive actions. A consistent, out-and-out defender who will put his body on the line every week for the club. Someone who truly bleeds blue and white!

Dunk beats Boscagli in almost every defensive metric there is, which, for a run-in, could end up being a lot more important for the defensive core of grinding out results. For just four games left, it is likely Albion will want to utilise their experience to the best of their abilities.

His aforementioned leadership and defensive qualities command a place in the side. 

Boscagli has been a very adequate replacement, but when compared to Dunk, it really is a one-way street. Dunk's not finished yet, and if he is fit, a return to the side against Newcastle would be the ideal scenario.

Coming up against tricky and quick wingers while leaving gaps in the defence would be a bit too much of a risk than is worth taking at this stage of the season.