A change in mindset is behind Charalambos Kostoulas’s impressive rise at Brighton, according to Fabian Hurtschler. The Greek forward has now established himself as a regular starter for the team in the Premier League and has four goals and three assists in his last five domestic matches, just ahead of the tough test against Liverpool at Anfield.
His first season in England following his high-profile transfer from Olympiacos was not easy. Opportunities were limited, and during his first preseason, it took him some time to adjust to the demands of intensity and physical conditioning. Gradually, however, he began to realize that a striker’s value in the Premier League isn’t measured solely by goals.
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“The first thing that changed was his mindset. He came to understand more and more what it takes to be a Premier League player and what’s required to play for our team,” said the Brighton manager. “It’s not just about scoring. Now we’re talking about his goals and assists, but we knew from the start that he had that quality.”
Particular emphasis was placed on his work off the ball. “For us, it’s more important that he follows the game plan, maintains intensity when we don’t have possession, and presses effectively. That’s something he’s really grasped,” he explained, indicating that the Greek forward’s improvement isn’t limited to his attacking play.
The patience Brighton showed now seems to be paying off. “We knew from the start that he might need a little more time than others, and we were patient with him. Now we’re being rewarded for that patience, and he’s being rewarded for the change in his mindset,” added his coach, with Kostoulas entering the match at Anfield during perhaps the best stretch of his career in England so far.
*photo source: AP
