MY ACCOUNT
Pervis Estupinan enjoyed an impressive World Cup campaign and is proving an increasingly astute purchase by Brighton.
Despite Ecuador going out in the group stage in Qatar, the full-back caught the eye as he bombed down the left flank.
The Seagulls have garnered a reputation for unearthing gems in the transfer market and it looks as though they have repeated the trick with the left-back.
Estupinan has established himself as one of the top flight’s best in his position since joining from Villarreal last summer to replace Marc Cucurella.
We take a look at the defender ahead of the clash with Southampton on Boxing Day.
Trust the process
Brighton return to Premier League action in a superb position and Estupinan has played a key role so far.
Despite losing manager Graham Potter to Chelsea last September, the Seagulls sit seventh in the table — just a point behind Liverpool and five behind Manchester United.
Securing a place in Europe next season may not be the marker against which the club is measured but their strong start makes it a very real possibility.
Keeping the pace they have shown will be tricky in the post-Christmas period, with Chelsea hot on their heels but boss Roberto De Zerbi has shown he is more than capable of filling Potter’s shoes.
Shining on the world stage
Estupinan was part of Brighton’s contingent at the World Cup and he represented his club well.
The 24-year-old was a key part of the Ecuador team that failed to make it out of their group despite impressing at the global showpiece, playing every minute of their campaign.
La Tri finished third in Group A — behind the Netherlands and Senegal — but Estupinan’s performances have certainly raised his stock even further.
He completed a commendable 115 passes and seven crosses, while also making six tackles.
Hitting the ground running
Estupinan’s Premier League form has been similarly electric.
The South American has hit the ground running in England — establishing himself as one of the finest left-backs in the division despite just arriving from Spain.
His record of 15 tackles, 13 interceptions and 12 aerial duels won in 635 minutes of league football in 2022-23 is impressive, as are his 264 completed passes — with 79 played into the final third.
Additionally, the 31-cap international is an asset to De Zerbi — he is able to play as a left-back in a back four as well as a wing-back should they switch to a three.
Sharpening his tools
Estupinan’s game has been taken to new heights since De Zerbi has come in — the attacking freedom afforded to him was evident in the 4-1 rout of Chelsea in October.
The player himself is enjoying working with the Italian manager and explained what is being asked of him.
He said: “I think it is clear that the coach wants to give an idea of football in which we have a lot of the ball and create a lot of chances.
“In my case, I can try to attack a lot. Obviously I cannot forget about defending but I try to understand well what I am asked for so I can help the team.
“My character is a player that — while obviously knowing my job is to defend — I really like to link up in support and help my team-mates a lot. That is what I try to do in every game.”
Smart business
Estupinan is the latest in a long line of smart moves by Brighton.
Like Alexis Mac Allister — as well as Estupinan’s compatriot Moises Caicedo — the Seagulls’ model is to develop players into elite talents and then sell them on.
Their No30 fits the bill perfectly— he joined Brighton following a two-year spell at Villarreal but is already well travelled for his age.
He began his career with LDU Quito before joining Watford in 2016 and being farmed out on loan to Granada, Almeria, Mallorca and Osasuna.
If he can pick up where he left off in Qatar, another move may not be too far away for the flying Seagull.
