Brighton Boss Hughton Banks On Balogun’s Experience For Chelsea Clash
Brighton and Hove Albion manager, Chris Hughton, insists Nigeria defender, Leon Balogun has what it takes to cope with his next challenge against Chelsea, reports Completesportsnigeria.com.
Balogun,30, linked up with Brighton as a free agent in the summer following the expiration of his contract with German side, FSV Mainz but has found game time limited.
He replaced the injured Lewis Dunk against Manchester United and Liverpool at the start of the season and the 30-year-old will now be trying to repel star-studded Chelsea, with Duffy serving the second of a three-match ban for his red card against Crystal Palace.
“It helps you are bringing somebody in that is an experienced player. The only thing he hasn’t done is play games,” Hughton told the Argus.
“He trains very well and you have got to be ready, particularly in that position.”
Hughton was delighted with the performances of his new centre-half pairing in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Burnley following Balogun’s instant goal scoring impact from the bench in the Palace game.
“It’s a hard day playing against which ever two they have up front,” Hughton added.
“They have a direct style, they will get the ball up front, and they have two very physical centre-forwards.
“So it was a hard day for us but I thought both of them did really well.”
The towering centre-back has made five Premier League appearances for Brighton this season.
More Stories
SUPER EAGLES NEED NFF, NIGERIANS’ SUPPORT TO QUALIFY FOR 2026 W/CUP – FINIDI
Newly appointed Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Finidi George, says Nigeria going to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a task...
I HAVE NO HAND IN FINIDI’S APPOINTMENT — PINNICK
Erstwhile president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick has declared he didn’t influence Finidi George’s appointment as new...
OSENI APPOINTED NEW SUNSHINE QUEENS HEAD COACH
The Nigeria Women Football League side, Sunshine Queens have appointed Rafiu Oseni as their new head coach, DAILY POST reports....
ADARABIOYO REMAINS ON NEWCASTLE’S RADAR AHEAD OF SUMMER TRANSFER
Newcastle United have maintained their interest in Tosin Adarabioyo as free agent but it is still not a done deal...
ONYEDIKA NAMED CLUB BRUGGE’S PLAYER OF THE MONTH
Raphael Onyedika has been named Club Brugge’s Player of the Month for April. Onyedika scored three goals and provided one...
TROOST-EKONG CLOSES IN ON COMEBACK FROM INJURY
Super Eagles defender, William Troost-Ekong is closing in on a return to action after his injury layoff. Troost-Ekong underwent surgery...