'A bit weird' - Brighton star thrives in new role with man-of-the-match performance at Nottingham Forest
Maxim De Cuyper was the best player on the pitch as Brighton beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 at the City Ground.
The full-back from Belgium – whose game-time has been limited since the return of Ferdi Kadıoğlu– took his opportunity in a more advanced role on Sunday (November 30).
The 24-year-old thrived, particularly in the first-half, delivering a string of excellent crosses from his left-wing position.
They didn’t lead to goals – through no fault of his own – so De Cuyper took matters into his own hands with half-time approaching.
In the first minute of added time, he found himself in the perfect position to slot Albion into the lead from close range.
This goal separated the sides until the 90th minute when Stefanos Tzimas scored his first Premier League goal to seal the victory – Albion’s second away from home this season.
Speaking to Sky Sports post-match, De Cuyper said: “Excellent win.
"I think this one is one the team did. We knew we have a lot of quality but if you don't work you don't get anything.”
De Cuyper was asked about playing further forward.
He replied: "When I was younger I played a lot there so it was a bit weird in the beginning to play there again. I'm happy. I was in the right place at the right time so a very good feeling to score."
The Belgium international was reluctant to make predictions about how far Brighton can go – after they moved up to fifth in the table.
"I don't know – let's go week by week,” he said. “It's very cliché but it's like this.
"You never know, it can go really good, we're on a good track now so let's continue."