LAMP LIGHT
Teenager Lamptey has been a shining star for Brighton and has even caught the eye of England boss Southgate
TARIQ LAMPTEY has been one of the revelations of the season.
Two matches in, the Brighton teenager has emerged as the latest in a long line of up-and-coming English right-backs to give Gareth Southgate an embarrassment of riches in that position.
A wonderful, eye-catching player, who is tenacious in defence, fearless in attack, the Londoner was arguably man of the match in Brighton’s first game of the season against his former club Chelsea.
And then, last Sunday, he was outstanding in the Seagulls’ 3-0 win at Newcastle.
Now, he is ready to face Manchester United today after a remarkable journey, having taken the bold decision to leave Stamford Bridge in January for more regular minutes in the top flight.
“It’s been a crazy few months,” said Lamptey. “I couldn’t be happier with everything and how it’s gone so far, so hopefully it continues.
“I really appreciate all the comments and the praise, but I just try to stay focused on doing the best I can for the team, and working as hard as I can on the training pitch to get myself involved on a matchday.”
Lamptey is softly spoken, he turns 20 on Wednesday, and yet within is a determination to reach the top, even if the competition for places within the England set- up is incredibly fierce. Southgate has three proven right-backs with World Cup experience – and now has another three up-and-coming youngsters establ ishing themselves in the Premier League.
Trent AlexanderArnold, Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier all went to the 2018 World Cup, and since then Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Reece James have come through.
Lamptey (getting stuck in against Newcastle and Chelsea, below) was battling it out with former Blues team-mate James for game-time at Stamford Bridge before deciding to join Brighton, and he cannot hide his desire to play for England in the future, having won his first Under-21 cap earlier this month in the 2-1 win in Austria.
He sa i d: “That was an amaz ing experience. I was rea l ly happy with that and hopefully it can be the first of many. “I have to keep working as hard as possible, keep playing well and, ultimately, if you’re playing well and the team’s doing well, then that’s the main thing. What happens next, you have to see.” He believes he made the right choice to move to Brighton for their set-up on the South Coast, Graham Potter as both a manager and coach, while he says the squad are also full of encouragement.
He added: “Having been at Chelsea, it was a really difficult decision for me to leave, but I felt like the Albion was the right club for me to take my game to the next level.
“They have some fantastic coaches and players, they’re building a really good project. Since the day that I walked in, they helped me
“You can see the quality on the training pitch as soon as you train with them, players with experience too, and it can only enhance your game.
“The manager is a really good coach for me – he’s helped me improve my game, he’s always talking to me about what I can improve, and how my strengths can help the team.
“It’s great to have someone who believes in you, especially for your confidence. I’m really happy with that and to have great players around me, to help me showcase my ability.
“As a young boy, I’ve always dreamed of playing in the Premier League, so you have to make sure you work hard, keep the drive and determination, but also enjoy the moment.”
Having been at Chelsea, it was a really difficult call for me to leave, but I felt like Brighton was the club to take me to the next level