Charalampos Kostoulas could have no better striker to learn from than Danny Welbeck | OneFootball

Charalampos Kostoulas showed streetwise calm to help close out Brighton & Hove Albion’s 2-1 FA Cup win at Manchester United, drawing praise from head coach Fabian Hurzeler.

According to NY Times, the 18-year-old replaced Danny Welbeck in the 83rd minute, surged from his own half with Bruno Fernandes chasing, then reclaimed a loose ball before a Matheus Cunha foul earned a free kick.

Hurzeler can lean on Kostoulas while managing Welbeck’s minutes.

Options at No nine have thinned since Stefanos Tzimas’s anterior cruciate ligament rupture in December’s 4-3 loss to Aston Villa. Evan Ferguson cannot be recalled from a season-long loan with Roma and Georginio Rutter is more natural as a No 10.

Kostoulas joined from Olympiacos for £30million after playing as a No nine and a No 10.

Welbeck’s ninth of the campaign at his old ground keeps him on course at 35 to beat his career-best 12 for United in 2011-12. A recent back problem means only two starts in the last seven after seven goals in as many league matches in September and October.

Hurzeler says minutes are managed with Welbeck and the medical staff, though the final call is his. With three-game weeks ahead, more minutes could follow for Kostoulas.

A congested run in January features Bournemouth, Fulham and Everton, then Crystal Palace on February eight, Aston Villa on February 11 and Liverpool at Anfield in the FA Cup over the weekend of February 14 and 15.

Source: NY Times