No disrespect to Dale; he played a big part in a great season - and he also scored some really memorable goals - but if he had played as consistently throughout his time here as he did when he wanted a move, then I would no doubt feel a little more disappointed about losing him.
As it stands, Brighton have lost a lot of talent over the summer and, in contrast to last season, we've got stronger and have a midfield with the likes of Gudmundson and Buyens, providing service to the likes of Ventokele.
It may be early days yet, but based on the last 180 league minutes - I wouldn't change a thing. I think we may have a real gem in Buyens. COYR!
Too early to say Buyens is better. He might have just played his best 3 games of the season. People were saying Stephens and Hollands were a miles better than Racon and Semedo after a game or two. One didn't step up the Champ and is now in League 2, the other didn't show much consistency until half a season before he left. They were better but neither quite did what we hoped they would at this level.
Too early to say Buyens is better. He might have just played his best 3 games of the season. People were saying Stephens and Hollands were a miles better than Racon and Semedo after a game or two. One didn't step up the Champ and is now in League 2, the other didn't show much consistency until half a season before he left. They were better but neither quite did what we hoped they would at this level.
Except we have it on good authority that Buyens was a mainstay of Liege midfield last season that was top of their league and battling the likes of Hanover in the Europa league. Different gravy and a new hungry, younger CAFC is emerging.
An uneven Charlton career, poor for 2 seasons, excellent for half a season. Only time will tell whether the really good player we saw in 2013/14 was the real Dale Stephens or not!
Probably in a very tiny minority but would've liked to see how a midfield 3 of Stephens, Cousins and Buyens would've panned out.
Sure a front six of: Cousins Buyens and Stephens / Poyet /? Gudmundsson, Vetokele, Kermo/Delort /? Looks good...then again isn't that what the club allude to when they say they are looking for two more signings?
I rated Stephens and paid close attention ever since the Villa move fell over...he was clearly playing for a new contract elsewhere and we did well to cash in and stay up...our midfield looked better after he left with Poyet and Ajdarevic on the scene...let's see how it goes at the Amex in a couple of weeks.
Stephens is still only 24. We got him when he was 21. Considering Jordan Cousins is going to turn 21 later on this season I think we expected a bit too much from the lad too soon.
Stephens is still only 24. We got him when he was 21. Considering Jordan Cousins is going to turn 21 later on this season I think we expected a bit too much from the lad too soon.
Stephens is still only 24. We got him when he was 21. Considering Jordan Cousins is going to turn 21 later on this season I think we expected a bit too much from the lad too soon.
Stephens is still only 24. We got him when he was 21. Considering Jordan Cousins is going to turn 21 later on this season I think we expected a bit too much from the lad too soon.
Stephens is still only 24. We got him when he was 21. Considering Jordan Cousins is going to turn 21 later on this season I think we expected a bit too much from the lad too soon.
Too early to say Buyens is better. He might have just played his best 3 games of the season. People were saying Stephens and Hollands were a miles better than Racon and Semedo after a game or two. One didn't step up the Champ and is now in League 2, the other didn't show much consistency until half a season before he left. They were better but neither quite did what we hoped they would at this level.
Except we have it on good authority that Buyens was a mainstay of Liege midfield last season that was top of their league and battling the likes of Hanover in the Europa league. Different gravy and a new hungry, younger CAFC is emerging.
It's still about what he does for us rather than anyone else. Djimi Traore was a Champions League winner while Yann failed to impress at Leicester.
So far he looks better and his experience suggests he should be better. Teams might find ways to make it more difficult for him, he could pick up an injury that effects his form, he might just turn out to be inconsistent.
I do think he will do well for but he hasn't done it yet.
Comments
On his way out already?
http://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/albion/11394941.Hyypia_unsure_when_midfielder_will_be_back_for_Albion/
As it stands, Brighton have lost a lot of talent over the summer and, in contrast to last season, we've got stronger and have a midfield with the likes of Gudmundson and Buyens, providing service to the likes of Ventokele.
It may be early days yet, but based on the last 180 league minutes - I wouldn't change a thing. I think we may have a real gem in Buyens. COYR!
Cousins Buyens and Stephens / Poyet /?
Gudmundsson, Vetokele, Kermo/Delort /?
Looks good...then again isn't that what the club allude to when they say they are looking for two more signings?
I rated Stephens and paid close attention ever since the Villa move fell over...he was clearly playing for a new contract elsewhere and we did well to cash in and stay up...our midfield looked better after he left with Poyet and Ajdarevic on the scene...let's see how it goes at the Amex in a couple of weeks.
http://www1.skysports.com/football/player/5583/dale-stephens
Edited he's 27 in December, from both Wiki and soccerbase.
So far he looks better and his experience suggests he should be better. Teams might find ways to make it more difficult for him, he could pick up an injury that effects his form, he might just turn out to be inconsistent.
I do think he will do well for but he hasn't done it yet.
http://www.seagulls.co.uk/news/article/seagulls-sign-stephens-1327414.aspx