Knockaert shows value to Hughton as he tries to bridge great divide
For many observers, Anthony Knockaert’s all-action display against Derby will only prove that he remains the sort of player who seems to straddle the top two divisions. Too good for the Championship, but not quite good enough to make a consistent impact in the Premier League.
Perhaps that is harsh, and Chris Hughton does not agree. But the evidence is compelling, and Knockaert’s showing against a Championship side on Saturday was a reminder of how devastating he is against second-tier opposition. Knockaert was the Championship Player of the Year in 2017 and Brighton’s talisman as they gained promotion to the Premier League. He has scored only six times in a season and a half of top-flight football since then, and has not started any of the club’s previous nine league matches. “For anybody it is a tougher league,” said Hughton “When you’re a wide player, you’re playing against better defences and better fullbacks. It’s about the part you can play in the game. We always know what Anthony can do. He gives us something different.” Knockaert, 27, is disappointed by his lack of game time, but he is not the type of character to sulk at the training ground or knock down Hughton’s door.
“There is no player in the world who loves being on the bench,” he said. “It’s frustrating but it is not only me on the bench. At every club there are quality players. You have to keep working and showing the manager that you will never give up and you will get your chance.”
There is also crucial context that should be noted whenever Knockaert’s top-flight fortunes are discussed. He has been open about his mental-health struggles, revealing that he battled depression following the death of his father and a marriage breakdown. He is now able, he says, to keep football in perspective.
“There are worse things in life and you know the most important thing for me is my family, as long as they are healthy. For me, football comes after.”
Knockaert celebrated his goal by making a heart-shaped gesture toward his four-year-old son, who had come over from France, where he lives.
His goal was followed by a strike by Jurgen Locadia, which proved enough to ensure victory, despite Ashley Cole rolling back the years and heading a late goal for Derby.
Defeat means that Frank Lampard will now be concentrating on the Championship, in which his side are seventh. “We are in a position where we are fighting with a lot of teams for those top spots. So this gives us a real focus on the 15 league games we have left.”