Why Brighton should sign Aaron Mooy permanently

Having worked his way into the Brighton line-up after arriving on a season-long loan from relegated Huddersfield Town, Aaron Mooy has played the entire 90 minutes of the last few games, conjuring a masterclass in the 2-1 win over Arsenal.

With his displays for Australia mirroring his club form, it’s safe to assume that Mooy – who is contracted at Huddersfield until 2022 – is unlikely to be seen back at the John Smith Stadium anytime soon.

Mooy was born in Sydney and initially moved to England with Bolton Wanderers in 2006, joining their academy as a teenager. After two years with Bolton, he left to join SPL side St Mirren to play senior football.

After two seasons in Scotland, a four-year spell back in Australia followed. That saw stints with Western Sydney Wanderers and Manchester City’s sister club Melbourne City. His form at the latter saw him win the Australian PFA Player of the Year.

That prompted a move to the Etihad to join City in 2016. He was immediately loaned to Huddersfield Town and in his first season, he helped the Terriers win promotion to the Premier League and was named in the PFA and EFL Championship teams of the season.

As a result, Huddersfield made the move permanent and Mooy was Town’s standout performer during their two-year stay in the top flight. He then joined Brighton on a season-long loan at the end of last season.

Brighton were promoted to the Premier League in the same year as Huddersfield and, similarly, enjoyed a successful first season only to struggle the last term. They survived by the skin of their teeth and quickly parted company with popular manager Chris Hughton.

It’s been a summer of renewal under new coach Graham Potter. Mooy is the latest eye-catching recruit from the Championship, following big-money deals for Bristol City defender Adam Webster and Brentford forward Neal Maupay.

Mooy will add composure and creativity to a side that has often looked one-dimensional and short of ideas in the attack last season. His ability as a deep-lying playmaker should free up goalscoring midfielder Pascal Groß to get forward, while his delivery from set-pieces will be welcomed by aerial threats Glenn Murray, Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy.

Mooy has easily improved Brighton this season and has been influential in wins over Arsenal and Tottenham. In 9 appearances this season, Mooy has averaged 0.9 shots per game and 1.3 dribbles per game. He has also contributed with one assist. He also has the tendency to drop back and help the defenders and has managed 1.6 tackles per game. [Courtesy: Whoscored]

Verdict

Aaron Mooy has certainly proven that he has the abilities to play in the Premier League and has turned in some good performances for Brighton so far this term.

Huddersfield Town have indeed protected their interests by ensuring that Mooy is tied to a contract with the club, meaning they would be able to command a respectable fee for the Australian. That said, Brighton should make his move permanent in January.