Brighton’s age puzzle, Hurzeler leans on veterans as ‘peak’ numbers remain thin | OneFootball

Brighton’s age split was stark in Monday’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth, Fabian Hurzeler starting four outfield players aged 34 or over, highlighting how few ‘peak age’ options he has.

According to NY Times, it was the first Premier League XI with at least four 34-plus outfielders since Wolves at Aston Villa in December 2003. The quartet were Danny Welbeck, Pascal Gross, Lewis Dunk and Joel Veltman.

The bench also featured Jason Steele, 35, and James Milner, 40. In the 20-man group there were 11 aged 25 or under, plus a 26-year-old and two 28-year-olds. Only Ferdi Kadioglu, 26, was in the perceived peak bracket.

Club data shows only four of 26 sit in that zone, with 15 younger and seven older. Recruitment targets younger, good-value talent with resale potential, typified by Charalampos Kostoulas, a £30m signing from Olympiacos last summer.

The Greek teenager levelled against Bournemouth with a bicycle kick, and benefits from veterans’ guidance, not least Welbeck’s experience.

The 24 to 28 market is costlier, offers less resale uplift and attracts richer rivals. Brighton’s bid approaching £30m for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, then 25 with more than 100 appearances, ended with him joining Chelsea in summer 2024.

Their current cohort includes Jan Paul van Hecke, 25, developed after arriving from NAC Breda at 20, and Kaoru Mitoma, 28, a £3m buy at 24 who drew a £61m Al Nassr offer.

Hurzeler must balance youth and experience, with Brajan Gruda inconsistent, and Brighton will not rip up their recruitment formula.

Source: NY Times