Maxim De Cuyper became only the third player in Premier League history to record two assists within the first five minutes of a match. His crosses for headed goals by Jack Hinshelwood and Lewis Dunk in Brighton’s 3-0 win over relegated Wolves matched the rapid impacts previously achieved by Andrey Arshavin for Arsenal in 2011 and Islam Slimani for Leicester in 2016.
The Belgium international left-back’s precise deliveries further validate Brighton’s recruitment strategy. Signed from Club Brugge for £17.3 million last summer on a five-year deal, De Cuyper has proven to be the standout addition of the transfer window. In contrast, other summer arrivals like Olivier Boscagli and Diego Coppola have struggled for minutes. Boscagli has made only nine league starts, while Coppola, on loan at Paris FC, has appeared more frequently there than for Brighton.
De Cuyper, at 25, offers a mix of experience and attacking flair. Head coach Fabian Hurzeler praised him after the match: “He always trains intensely, never gives up. He puts his ego behind the team, and now he’s getting rewards.” De Cuyper has featured in 28 of 36 league games but has often been second choice to Ferdi Kadioglu at left-back. However, his versatility — he also played left wing earlier this season — and two-footed ability make him a valuable asset.
Looking ahead, Brighton’s left side looks strong with Kadioglu and De Cuyper, especially if they qualify for European competition. De Cuyper’s experience in Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League with Brugge will help. Meanwhile, the right-back position remains a summer priority after Kadioglu shifted to the right to cover for injured Mats Wieffer, highlighting the need for natural depth. Joel Veltman, out of contract and aging, remains a reliable servant but lacks the energy to fit Hurzeler’s high-intensity system.
Brighton sit seventh, needing four points from their final two games — at Leeds United and home to Manchester United — to secure European football.
