Neal Maupay issues staggering goal declaration ahead of season finale at Burnley

Brighton's top scorer Neal Maupay has enjoyed a successful start to his life in the Premier League but the French striker is determined to reach even greater heights
Neal Maupay has 10 goals to his name this seasonNeal Maupay has 10 goals to his name this season
Neal Maupay has 10 goals to his name this season

Maupay has 10 goals to his name this season following his £16m arrival from Brentford. The Frenchman has played a huge role in Brighton's Premier League survival and wants to finish strongly at Turf Moor.

He is already targeting improvements to his personal goal tally for the next campaign and points to his previous record at Brentford as an indication to what he wants to achieve at Albion.

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“In my first season at Brentford I scored 12 goals then I got 28 the following season – hopefully I can do the same next season for Brighton," said the Frenchman.

“The first season is always one where you’re learning and have been so many things going on that are nothing to do with football this year.

“We had to stop for three months so it’s not been easy. I have learned a lot about myself and feel I have improved on the field. I think I can build on it and do better next year.

“Every season is a challenge and I never take anything for granted. I know I will have to work really hard to be able to do that.”

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Maupay, 23, arrived in English football in 2017 when Brentford paid French outfit Saint-Étienne £1.6m for his services.

The Frenchman scored a total of 41 goals in 95 games for the Bees and was the joint-second top scorer in the Championship in his final season with 25 league goals.

The Premier League has been a huge challenge but reaching double figures for a team at the lower end of the table is a very good return.

“It’s never easy to change league and come into a new team with a new manager and everything else, but I am happy with the season,” Maupay added.

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“I do feel like I could have had more goals and done better though, I am a winner and always want more. But for a first year it’s been good and as a team we secured another season in the Premier League.

“I read that we have never lost when I score - that means I have to score more often. We’ll win more games that way.”

Albion complete the season away to in-form Burnley on Sunday after guaranteeing survival with a goalless draw against Newcastle on Monday.

Sean Dyche's Clarets have gone seven matches unbeaten to guarantee a top-half finish.

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"We know it'll be a very tough game - you only need to look at Burnley's points since lockdown, what they've achieved over the last few years," said Albion head coach Graham Potter.

"It's an amazing job there that Sean has done and I have the utmost respect for him and for what they've achieved."

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