‘He is in great shape’ – Gambian winger Yakubu Minteh earns praise from Brighton boss after stunning Chelsea display

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has praised Gambian winger Yankuba Minteh after his stunning display in the 3-1 victory over Chelsea on Saturday, though the coach stressed that the forward’s success is closely tied to the collective strength of the team.

Minteh was the standout performer at Stamford Bridge, providing one assist in a result that underlined Brighton’s growing confidence under Hurzeler.

The 21-year-old has quickly established himself as a central figure in the Seagulls’ attack since arriving in the Premier League.

“I think we can go through all our individual players,” Hurzeler told reporters.

“For me it is always, when you play well as a team, when you create chances, then the individual players can shine. Of course, Minteh is in great shape. He proves it now every weekend.”

The Brighton boss explained that Minteh’s ability to dominate in one-on-one duels is the product of the team’s tactical structure.

“You have to create the pattern that you have a one-against-one situation for Minteh against Cucurella, for example.

“This is always a team pattern. If you don’t have the right positioning, if you don’t play well, if you don’t ask for the ball, you might not get the midfielder free and then you don’t create this one-against-one situation.”

Hurzeler added that maintaining such balance is what allows players like Minteh to thrive.

“Overall, if the team plays well, if my team plays well, the individual will shine. I hope he stays in this flow and keeps staying humble and keeps working.”

For Brighton, the win at Chelsea represented more than just three points; it was also a statement of their attacking depth, with Minteh’s creativity and maturity marking him out as one of the most exciting young wingers in the Premier League.