Why handing Glenn Murray a new contract is the right move by Brighton
According to the Independent, Brighton & Hove Albion striker Glenn Murray has signed a one-year extension with the club to stay at the Amex until the summer of 2020.
The 35-year-old has been in great form since the Seagulls’ promotion to the Premier League, and for what its worth, he deserved a contract extension.
The striker has scored six goals this season and reached 100 goals for Brighton last month. This was after he netted 12 goals in 35 appearances last season to help Chris Hughton’s men stay in the Premier League in a comfortable way.
It is a cliche that scoring goals is equally important as defending well if a promoted team is aiming to stay in top-flight football for long.
Hence, the numbers of Murray is the most vital aspect for the Seagulls. This season, they have scored 13 goals in 12 games, six of them by the veteran striker.
Therefore, it is easy to see why the club has made a terrific decision to offer him a new contract extension, which is set to keep him until the end of 2019/20 season.
This is Murray’s second stint at Brighton, having featured for them between 2008 and 2011 before joining them back from Bournemouth in 2016. He then led the Seagulls to promotion and is now leading them to consecutive seasons in the toughest league of all.
Tactical propensities of having Murray
Analyising how Brighton go about their business on the field, it suits the way Murray likes to feature as a striker. The 4-4-1-1 or 4-5-1 formation has three midfielders who cover a lot of ground, with one of them coming up to support the front man in possession.
Furthermore, Anthony Knockaert and either of Solly March or Izquierdo are adept in taking the ball out of their feet to put delicious crosses into the box.
And Murray loves the balls to be played in dangerously because he has the propensities to make runs into the box, use his deceptive pace to find space and look to finish off the chances.
Off the ball, the 35-year-old is very good in holding it and allowing the runners to run beyond him to create a counter-attacking situation.
Read More: Comparing Fulham and Brighton’s talismanic stars – Stats show that the former is slightly better
All in all, the striker is a perfect foil for the way Hughton sets up his side. The goals scored at a brisk pace are helping the team in a massive way.