Maxim De Cuyper
BHABelgium
Left
Dec 22, 2000
25
6'0"
159 lb
LB
LW
Balanced Full Back
BrightonBack available after illness
De Cuyper (illness) is back available for Saturday's clash against Fulham after recovering from his illness, coach Fabian Hurzeler said in the press conference, according to Andy Naylor from The Athletic.
Analysis: De Cuyper missed the last two games across all competitions due to illness but has now fully recovered, as he is back in contention for Saturday's clash against the Cottagers. De Cuyper had been a regular starter for the Seagulls in recent weeks prior to his absence and should claim back a similar role moving forward, either in defense or on the wing.
Dealing with illness
De Cuyper didn't play Monday against Bournemouth due to illness, Andy Naylor of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: De Cuyper had failed to start in only one of the previous five EPL matches before being excluded from the squad against the Cherries. The wide player is now questionable for the upcoming visit to Fulham, but it's unclear if he'll be ready to play significant minutes. Ferdi Kadioglu could continue to feature at left-back in case of an extended absence for De Cuyper.
Three crosses Wednesday
De Cuyper recorded three crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Wednesday's 1-1 draw against Manchester City. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 60th minute.
Analysis: De Cuyper would come back into the starting XI Wednesday after featuring off the bench last contest, starting on 12 of his 18 appearances this season. He would have to defend most of the match but still managed three crosses in the attack. That said, the defender has two goals this season, although he is without an assist.
Didn't train fully
De Cuyper remained on the bench in the last game after not fully training the prior week, coach Fabian Hurzeler said in the press conference, according to The Argus. "We had issues with Maxim during the week. He wasn't able to train fully."
Analysis: De Cuyper is dealing with an undisclosed issue that is not ruling him out but is serious enough to prevent him from training in full during the week and starting in the last game. The versatile defender was rested during the clash against Liverpool and is a doubt for a starting role against Sunderland on Saturday. That issue is expected to lead to increased playing time for either Brajan Gruda in the frontline or Ferdi Kadioglu at the back for the Seagulls.
11 crosses Sunday
De Cuyper registered 11 crosses (five accurate) and five corners in Sunday's 1-1 draw against West Ham United.
Analysis: De Cuyper made his third consecutive start Sunday and he put together a productive performance. He recorded season highs in crosses (11), accurate crosses (five) and corners (five) and also created three chances for the second time in his last four matches. He was subbed off in the 72nd minute Charalampos Kostoulas.
Scores goal in victory
De Cuyper scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), four crosses (three accurate) and two corners in Sunday's 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: De Cuyper started Sunday's clash in a more advanced role on the left wing and repeatedly targeted Forest's right side from the opening minutes. He finally broke through in first half stoppage time, sweeping a composed finish into the bottom corner after Georginio Rutter's pass broke kindly in the box. Earlier he had already supplied a dangerous whipped cross that Diego Gomez nearly turned in, contributing to season highs of four chances created and three accurate crosses. While Kaoru Mitoma (ankle) remains out due to injury, this new role and decent outing could make De Cuyper see increased playing time for the Seagulls.
Doesn't start before break
De Cuyper came off the bench for the final two matches before the international break.
Analysis: De Cuyper started four straight matches to open the season before a knee injury sidelined him for a single match. It didn't prove to be a major concern as he came off the bench twice after one match out. Once he's back to full fitness, De Cuyper should get the starting nod at left-back once more over Ferdi Kadioglu.
Goal as reserve
De Cuyper scored one goal during Brighton & Hove Albion's 3-1 win Saturday at Chelsea.
Analysis: While at Chelsea, De Cuyper logged Brighton's game-winner. As part of the Seagulls, MDC's latest goal is his first. Considering both a healthy and in-form De Cuyper, perhaps Brighton's starting XI will include him again. As part of the Seagulls, each of his other appearances feature starts.
Claims bench spot
De Cuyper (knee) is on the bench for Saturday's game against Chelsea.
Analysis: De Cuyper is set to return after missing the most recent EPL match against Tottenham. The left-back won't return straight into the XI, though, with Ferdi Kadioglu getting the nod on the left side of the defense once again.
Set to return
De Cuyper (knee) is available for Saturday's trip to Chelsea, per manager Fabian Hurzeler.
Analysis: De Cuyper is set to return for Saturday's clash with Chelsea. This timeline is right along what was expected after nearly returning against Tottenham last season. With De Cuyper fully fit and available he should slot into the starting XI once more, likely sending Ferdi Kadioglu to the bench.
Ruled out against Spurs
De Cuyper (undisclosed) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Tottenham.
Analysis: De Cuyper has not recovered in time and has been ruled out of Saturday's match against Tottenham following the knock sustained last weekend against Bournemouth. The Belgian had started all of his four appearances for the Seagulls this season before this setback.
Late call against Tottenham
De Cuyper (undisclosed) is a late call for Saturday's clash against Tottenham, coach Fabian Hurzeler said in the press conference, according to Andy Naylor from The Athletic.
Analysis: De Cuyper suffered an undisclosed injury against the Cherries last Saturday and will be a late call to face Tottenham on Saturday. The Belgian has started all of his four appearances with the Seagulls this season and will hope to answer the call because a potential absence will force a change in the starting XI, with Ferdi Kadioglu likely replacing him in the backline if he misses the game.
Leaves with injury
De Cuyper left Saturday's game against Bournemouth with an undisclosed injury after being pushed into an advertising board in the first half, Andy Naylor of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: The left-back chased a Dunk pass and fell into the advertising display close to Bournemouth's right-hand corner flag, and he had left the pitch for treatment before departing for good. It's unclear if the injury will cause him to miss time, and if that's the case, Ferdi Kadioglu should take his place on the left side of the defense.
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