10:02
Thursday | February 12

Fabian Hurzeler celebrated his first match in charge of Brighton with a 5-0 victory against Kashima Antlers in Tokyo.

The 31-year-old German, who arrived earlier this summer to replace previous boss Roberto De Zerbi, lined up with an attacking formation and Albion impressed as they enjoyed long periods of possession at the National Stadium.

Hurzeler's first half XI was a nice blend of youth and experience and also gave new signings Ibrahim Osman and Yankuba Minteh a first outing. There was also a return for Japan star Kaoru Mitoma, who looked lively on the left.

But it was Minteh who caught the eye with the opening goal as the £35m summer arrival from Newcastle jinked in from the right, beat two defenders before calmly rolling the ball past the keeper. Hurzeler’s second half XI soon got to work as Jermey Sarmiento volleyed home a second, Yasin Ayari thumped home a third, with Amario Cozier Duberry adding a well-taken double. The Antlers netted a consolation in the 85th minute. Here's how the players rated…

Jason Steele 6 The experienced stopper got the nod from Hurzeler ahead of Rushworth. Had very little to do in the first half but good distribution from the back. Well beaten for their consolation.

Tariq Lamptey 6 Played on the right of a back three but got forward at every opportunity. A new role for Lamptey and the Ghana international did well.

Jan Paul van Hecke - 7 Missed the end of last season but looked good as the central defender of the back three. Excellent passing out from the back.

Imari Samuels 6 Looked calm and composed on the left of a back three and will hope to breakthrough to the first team this term. Booked for a foul on 26 minutes.

James Milner - 6 Handed the captain's armband and the 38-year-old worked hard in midfield. Back on the pitch after missing the end of last season with a hamstring issue.

Carlos Baleba - 7 A good run out for the midfielder and looked better alonside Milner as the half went on. An important second season for the £23m man.

Kaoru Mitoma - 8 Linked well with Danny Welbeck and saw a deflected shot hit the bar. Always an outlet down the left and some promising signs on his return from a lower back injury.

Andrew Moran - 6 Given a chance to shine following his loan at Blackburn last term. Moved the ball well and looked composed and comfortable in midfield alongside Baleba and Milner.

Ibrahim Osman - 6 Played quite deep at times. A quiet first half from the Ghana youngster who joined for £16m. Pressed the defence well and more to come from the former Nordsjælland man.

Yankuba Minteh 9 What a way to introduce himself. Lovely opening goal as he cut inside from the right, sat down two defenders and calmly slotted home. Also saw a later effort well saved as he latched on to a Mitoma through ball.

Danny Welbeck - 7 A good run out for the experienced front runner. Linked the play well and will be a key figure for Hurzeler going forward.

Valentin Barco - 6 A big season ahead for the Argentine. Appeared in the second half and looked to whip those dangerous balls into the box from the left. Almost on the scoresheet as his late effort deflected wide.

Joel Veltman - 6 Came on in the second half and provided the experience at the back.

Odel Offiah - 6 Came on in the second half and provided good support down the right. A comfortable outing.

Jenson Weir - 6 The former Wigan was always available to receive possession. Played deep alongside Veltman at the back. Spent time on loan last season at Blackpool and Port Vale.

Yasin Ayari - 7 The Swedish player showed good skill to thumb home the third. A reminder of his talents following his loans at Blackburn and Coventry last term.

Amario Cozier Duberry - 9 The former Arsenal talent was given his first outing in an Albion shirt having joined this summer. Fired a good chance narrowly wide on 55 minutes but showed his class to tuck home a fourth. His second was equally as good. What a prospect.

Facundo Buonanotte - 6 A nice assist for Cozier Duberry. Always looked clever on the ball and an threat.

Jeremy Sarmiento - 7 Reacted well to double Brighton’s lead with a close range volley. Out to impress Hurzler after his loan at Ipswich last term.

Simon Adingra - 7 Lively down the left in the second half but overshadowed by the new boys. Brighton have so many attacking options.

Abdallah Sima - 6 Played a central role and led the line well for the attacker who impressed on loan at Rangers. Replaced by Mark O'Mahony.

Mark O'Mahony - 6 The young Irishman replaced Sima with 15 to go.

Malick Yalcouyé - 6 Brought in from IFK Göteborg and made his first outing in an Albion shirt as a late sub.

Head coach Fabian Huerzeler took his first game in charge of Brighton

1. HAMBURG, GERMANY - MAY 12: Head coach Fabian Huerzeler of St. Pauli looks on prior to the the Second Bundesliga match between FC St. Pauli and VfL Osnabrück at Millerntor Stadium on May 12, 2024 in Hamburg, Germany. (Photo by Selim Sudheimer/Getty Images)

Head coach Fabian Huerzeler took his first game in charge of BrightonPhoto: Selim Sudheimer

The experienced stopper got the nod from Hurzeler ahead of Rushworth. Had very little to do in the first half but good distribution from the back. Well beaten for their consolation.

2. Jason Steele 6

The experienced stopper got the nod from Hurzeler ahead of Rushworth. Had very little to do in the first half but good distribution from the back. Well beaten for their consolation.Photo: Michael Steele

Played on the right of a back three but got forward at every opportunity. A new role for Lamptey and the Ghana international did well.

3. Tariq Lamptey 6

Played on the right of a back three but got forward at every opportunity. A new role for Lamptey and the Ghana international did well.Photo: Charlie Crowhurst

Missed the end of last season but looked good as the central defender of the back three. Excellent passing out from the back.

4. Jan Paul van Hecke - 7

Missed the end of last season but looked good as the central defender of the back three. Excellent passing out from the back.Photo: Mike Hewitt