Fabian Hurzeler gives Chema Andres and Brighton verdict after Crystal Palace thrashing
Amid the goals and the 5-0 thrashing of Crystal Palace - young Spanish defensive midfielder Chema Andres quietly, calmly and brilliantly went about his business
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has no doubts when selecting Chema Andres for the big matches.
Chema joined Brighton last summer on deadline day for around £16m from German club Stuttgart.
The former Real Madrid man has slotted in seamlessly to the Brighton midfield, having made his debut as a second half substitute in the 5-0 away win at Coventry.
The 21-year-old defensive midfielder then started in the 3-2 comeback Carabao Cup win against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Chema also excelled and scored in the 3-0 win against Premier League champions Arsenal and then impressed at Sunderland.
His performance once again during the 5-0 thrashing of Crystal Palace at the Amex Stadium on Sunday was outstanding.
Chema is a natural
Some new players need time adjust to the Premier League but Chema already has the full trust of his teammates and Hurzeler.
He plays in the defensive midfield role vacated by Carlos Baleba, who moved to Manchester United for £70m last summer.
"I see him as a natural leader," said Hurzeler to Sussex World after the win against Palace.
"Although he's very young, I see him as a competitor. What surprises me or what impresses me the most is how mature and how big is his intrinsic motivation for improvement.
"So every day he wants to improve. Every day he reflects himself every day, he tries to get better and besides that he he's a really good person.
"So he really takes care of his teammates. He really tries to understand the culture where he's in now and tries to integrate as quick as possible.
"So therefore it's a very impressive personality."
Hurzeler: A few good games
The 6ft 3in Spaniard has made a very impressive start and against Palace he was - for the most part - the deepest and most defensive minded midfielder, which allowed Pascal Gross and Yasin Ayari to advance.
Hurzeler though knows this just the start of his career and tougher test will arrive. "Now he had a few good games," Hurzeler added to Sussex World.
"That doesn't mean he will continue like this of course. We try to help him to keep going like this.
"But also with these players, we have to be patient.
“A really good start for us and also this was something we didn't expect, but we try to stay humble.
"With him as well we try to give him the right platform, where we can improve every day and then let's see how it's."