Why Brighton & Hove Albion must utilize Alireza Jahanbakhsh extensively
Brighton & Hove Albion broke their transfer record this summer, signing Iranian winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh. The 25-year-old arrived at the Amex from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar on a four-year deal for a fee of £17million. (h/t BBC Sport)
However, since his arrival, the attacker hasn’t been able to make a significant impact due to a lack of game time. In the 2018/19 campaign so far, Jahanbakhsh has been in action for a meagre 49 minutes in the Premier League. His only start came in the League Cup game against Southampton, as the Seagulls lost 1-0.
While it makes sense for manager Chris Hughton to ease his new player into the scheme of things, it is time that Jahanbakhsh started featuring regularly for the club. In fact, once the Premier League returns to action after the international break, the player must be provided with adequate time on the pitch.
The Iranian is an exceptionally talented footballer who has the ability to make a serious impact on the proceedings. And with Brighton picking up just four points from their first four fixtures, he could prove to be the X-factor that helps turn things around.
Jahanbakhsh enjoyed a stellar campaign with AZ last season, netting 21 goals and setting up 12 more in 33 Dutch Eredivisie competitions. As a result, he lifted the Golden Boot for the 2017/18 campaign.
Compared to Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo by Iran manager Carlos Queiroz (h/t The Times), the 25-year-old has plenty of experience and has proven himself on the international stage as well. So far, Jahanbakhsh has made 41 appearances for the Iranian national team, bagging four goals and was part of the team that participated in the World Cup in Russia.
The 25-year-old is primarily a winger and can operate on both flanks. But if needed, he can also play through the middle. With blistering pace to burn, Jahanbakhsh is known to terrorize defences with his running but at the same time, he is not a one-trick pony.
While he is adept at going wide to stretch the play and pump in crosses, the Iranian is also comfortable at cutting in from the flanks to take a shot at the goal. Clearly, he has all the attributes required to develop into a fine attacker. An accurate crosser of the ball, Jahanbakhsh exudes great composure in front of the goal, making him a potent weapon in the final third.
And he showed glimpses of these abilities when he came on to replace Solly March in Brighton’s opening game of the season in the 2-0 defeat to Watford.
Anthony Knockaert has started the season positively on the right-wing, with two assists in four games. March has also registered an assist in his four appearances. However, neither of them have looked all that menacing on the left-flank. And that’s where Jahanbakhsh could come in and make a difference for the Seagulls.
Given the Iranian international’s promise and form, the winger deserves more opportunities moving forward. Furthermore, he certainly has the abilities to make them count.
