Lewis Dunk insists Brighton can thrive again next season even if they lose star midfielder Yves Bissouma.
The Seagulls captain was in upbeat mood after an emphatic 3-0 win at Wolves secured the club’s best-ever Premier League points tally with three games still to play. Dunk says they have improved this season despite the £50million sale of Ben White to Arsenal last July.
Now the big clubs are again circling for Albion’s Mali midfielder Bissouma,25, whose contract expires next year. But Dunk believes Albion have a ready-made replacement in exciting Ecuador international Moises Caicedo.
The powerful central midfielder,20, was exceptional again on his fifth successive start after spending the first half of the season on loan at Belgium side KFCO Beerschot-W. Asked about Bissouma’s future, Skipper Dunk,30, replied: “I hope we keep the team together and keep pushing on.
“But we have the depth in the squad to fill in and boys have stepped up. If the time comes and boys move on, like Ben White last year, I was buzzing for him. We lost one but we have other people as back-up to come in and perform. I think it shows because Moises Caicedo has waited for his opportunity and the last few games he has been outstanding. I think that just shows what we have got at this club.
“We have great work ethic and togetherness on the training pitch which gives us our foundations. That is the only reason he has been able to perform like that because we work so hard on the training pitch.”
Graham Potter's men capitalised on a lacklustre display from Wolves. Alexis Mac Allister missed a first half penalty before finding the net nine minutes later with a second spot-kick. Excellent late finishes from Leandro Trossard and Bissouma ensured a comfortable win. Wolves, who have now lost three matches in a row without scoring, rarely looked like netting until sub Pedro Neto lashed a low shot against the post in stoppage time.
The hosts were booed off but Albion are finishing strongly after 11 points from their last six games, which includes a defeat at Manchester City. They appear finally capable of putting teams away by adding goals to their domination. Defender Dunk reflected: “It was nice to be comfortable for once and get to the end of the game not panicking, having to scrap and defend the box. We are not the highest scorers in the League and we make it tough for ourselves if we don’t keep a clean sheet.
“We are all confident with each other and that is why we have done so well this year. There are still nine points up for grabs this season. We want to get as close to that as we can to make sure we finish the season even stronger.”
