How Pervis Estupiñán Revolutionized Brighton’s Left Flank
When a club loses its Player of the Season, the replacement must not only step up in quality but also fit seamlessly into the team’s tactical fabric. Brighton & Hove Albion faced such a challenge when Marc Cucurella departed, yet they found an exceptional upgrade in Ecuadorian defender Pervis Estupiñán.
Estupiñán’s Impactful Arrival at Brighton
The transition from Cucurella to Estupiñán could have been problematic for Brighton. Cucurella was known for his defensive prowess and intelligent ball movement from the back. However, Estupiñán has redefined the role, pushing higher up the pitch and contributing as an attacking force on the left side, almost resembling a winger in his forward runs and creativity.
He has quickly become integral to Brighton’s dynamic style of play. His inaugural season saw him frequently involved in key moments, including his debut goal against Arsenal, where his advanced positioning allowed him to capitalize on attacking opportunities.
Creating Synergy Down the Left Side
Estupiñán’s influence is felt not just in his individual performances but also in the partnerships he’s formed on the pitch. He consistently creates overlaps and combinations with attacking teammates such as Leandro Trossard, Kaoru Mitoma, and Ecuador compatriot Moisés Caicedo. This collaboration extends back to representing Ecuador nationally, notably in the 2022 World Cup, highlighting their shared understanding and ability to break down defenses.
Comparison with Cucurella: Elevating End Product
While Cucurella registered only one goal and three assists across the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, Estupiñán surpassed those numbers almost immediately. In his first 31 league appearances with Brighton, Estupiñán recorded one goal and a notable five assists, quickly establishing himself as a major creative outlet on the left flank.
Estupiñán’s Breakout Performance Against Arsenal
One of Estupiñán’s standout displays came during Brighton’s emphatic victory over Arsenal. Not only did he notch both a goal and an assist, but his relentless energy helped neutralize the threat from Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka. This match showcased his complete game—combining unlikely attacking returns with authoritative defensive work.
Offensive Intelligence and Versatility
Estupiñán has developed a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most attack-minded full-backs. On average, he contributes 5.3 progressive passes and 6.3 progressive runs per 90 minutes, emphasizing his commitment to enhancing Brighton’s forward thrust. His understanding of when to overlap outside a winger and when to underlap into space makes him an unpredictable and valuable asset in the attacking third.
His creativity is equally matched by his crossing technique. Averaging over three crosses and 1.6 key passes per game, Estupiñán expertly reads when to deliver low, driven balls across the box or when to target teammates with aerial deliveries at the back post. This ability ensures Brighton remains a constant threat from wide areas.
Strategic Crossing: Timing and Execution
Estupiñán’s contribution goes beyond simply pumping balls into the box. He reads the setup of opposition defenders and adapts his crossing approach accordingly. In tight situations, rather than forcing a cross that might be blocked, he’ll recycle possession and wait for play to develop. This patience, reminiscent of the Spanish concept of “La Pausa,” enables him to pick out late-arriving teammates or exploit momentary lapses in defensive organization.
Examples from matches against Leicester and Wolves demonstrate how Estupiñán pauses, shifts the ball onto his favored foot, and delivers with precision—creating high-quality chances for his teammates.
Defensive Reliability and Tenacity
While much is made of his attacking flair, Estupiñán’s defensive abilities remain top-class. His positioning, reading of the game, and pace contribute to strong numbers in interceptions, recoveries, and aerial duels. He rarely gets caught out of position or makes critical mistakes, providing stability for Brighton’s defense.
His 1v1 defending is characterized by patience, strength, and the ability to jockey opponents such as Saka. Estupiñán knows when to remain on his feet and when to step in assertively. Although his aggressive style occasionally leads to fouls, he is learning to maximize his physicality intelligently to dispossess attacking threats without resorting to risky tackles.
Completeness as a Modern Full-Back
Estupiñán’s combination of attacking intent, technical ability, and defensive acumen has not only filled the void left by Cucurella but raised the standard for Brighton’s full-back play. His versatility makes him a model of the modern wing-back—capable of influencing the match on both ends. As Brighton chase European ambitions, Estupiñán remains central to their evolving identity and tactical innovation.
Conclusion
Brighton’s successful adaptation following the departure of a key player like Cucurella is a testament to proactive recruitment and effective tactical integration. In Pervis Estupiñán, they have found a multifaceted defender whose contributions have proven vital in both defensive solidity and offensive creation. His performances exemplify the progression of the full-back role in the Premier League and underscore Brighton’s rise as one of England’s most exciting clubs.
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