Why Ferdi Kadioglu’s versatility could be crucial for Brighton over the festive period | OneFootball

Ferdi Kadioglu’s versatility could be crucial for Brighton as competition on the left grows. He has battled injuries and selection battles since a £25 million move from Fenerbahce in summer 2024.

According to NY Times, Hurzeler covered Mitoma’s absence since September by fielding Kadioglu at left-back and Maxim De Cuyper on the wing. After Mitoma’s late run-out in the 2-0 loss at Liverpool, the left-back spot is between Kadioglu and De Cuyper.

Kadioglu started at Anfield, with Diego Gomez ahead of him. De Cuyper had a minor issue, trained only partially, and was among the substitutes.

Facing Liverpool reopened old wounds. He suffered a toe injury in a 3-2 League Cup home defeat to Liverpool, then three days later played at Anfield as a right-winger, scoring to put Brighton ahead in a 2-1 loss. Surgery on a ruptured big-toe ligament ended his debut season.

He has also featured at left wing and right-back, and Hurzeler says he is comfortable in four roles, including left-back and right-wing. The head coach has praised his fitness, mindset and team ethic after a long lay-off.

A run of six matches in 23 days includes trips to Arsenal and Manchester City and an FA Cup tie at Manchester United on 11 January. He is available for Sunderland on Saturday after avoiding a fifth booking, while Gomez and captain Lewis Dunk are banned and Carlos Baleba is at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. For now, Kadioglu holds the left-back spot.

Source: NY Times