Yasin Ayari praises Malick Yalcouyé after Brighton breakthrough

Malick Yalcouyé has made a strong impression at Brighton this season, with team mate Yasin Ayari praising the Ivorian midfielder’s rapid progress in the Premier League.

The 20 year old joined Brighton from IFK Göteborg in 2024 and has now established himself as an increasingly important option in the club’s midfield.

Yalcouyé spent time away from Brighton after his move to England, with loan spells at Sturm Graz and Championship side Swansea City designed to give him regular playing experience.

He has now been given the opportunity to show what he can do with Brighton and has taken his chance, making five Premier League appearances and scoring twice.

His breakthrough came against Chelsea, where he was brought into the starting line up despite not originally being expected to feature from the beginning.

Ayari’s absence opened the door for Yalcouyé to start that match, and the Ivorian responded with a performance that impressed his team mate.

“It’s fantastic. I don’t think many people expected it. It also came a bit out of the blue. He wasn’t supposed to start against Chelsea, but he got his chance because I couldn’t play. Then he had a really good game and, since then, he’s just kept improving.”

Yalcouyé’s progress has been particularly significant for Ayari, who understands the adjustment required to move from Swedish football to Brighton.

The Sweden international joined the English club from AIK in 2023 before spending time on loan at Coventry City and Blackburn Rovers.

That shared background has helped Ayari develop a close understanding with Yalcouyé, while Brighton also have Zadok Yohanna, another player who previously played for AIK and arrived at the club this summer.

Ayari said he has been happy to see another player with Swedish football experience settle into the Brighton squad and has tried to help Yalcouyé with his transition.

“It’s great to have someone who played in Sweden and with my brother Taha at AIK. It’s good that he’s come to Brighton and is playing with us. I try to help him as much as possible.”

Yalcouyé’s emergence has come during a positive start to the Premier League campaign for Brighton.

After five league matches, the club have collected 10 points and sit third in the table, giving the midfielder an opportunity to establish himself within a team that has started the season strongly.

His performances have also given Brighton manager another midfield option as the season progresses.

For Yalcouyé, the challenge now is to maintain the level he has shown during his first appearances and continue earning opportunities in the Brighton team.

Ayari’s support could also prove valuable as the young Ivorian continues adapting to English football after beginning his career in Sweden.

With five Premier League appearances and two goals already to his name, Yalcouyé has made a promising start to his Brighton career and will now look to build on that progress.