How Rutter and Kostoulas fared in Brighton’s striker role | OneFootball

Brighton showed goals can come from all over the pitch in a two-hour workout against Strasbourg, but attention centred on their centre-forward options.

According to TheArgus.co.uk, the role is under the microscope as Albion plan for life after Danny Welbeck. Neither Rutter nor Kostoulas are out-and-out No. nine, and Welbeck seldom operated that way either. The friendly was staged at the Austrian FA headquarters in Vienna.

Each striker had roughly an hour across a 90-minute game followed by a 30-minute period. Kostoulas started, was closely marshalled and created space for a first-half cross that the keeper held. He worked off the ball and headed over shortly before going off.

Rutter looked fired up and often dropped into a No. 10 position to link play. He drew a dangerous free-kick with a direct run and twice forced good saves after carving room to shoot. He also tried one from very long range, a sign of confidence.

The former Leeds forward appeared in good spirits afterwards and seemed to enjoy the run-out. Both are big-money signings, so expectations are high.

It would be very surprising if Albion were not exploring striker options before the next deadline and with future windows in mind. For now, the chance is there for Rutter and Kostoulas, and it is one they have waited for.

Source: TheArgus.co.uk