Hughton hails Knockaert's '˜exceptional' contribution and key Leicester experience

Chris Hughton has heaped praise on Brighton & Hove Albion's talisman Anthony Knockaert and his '˜exceptional' contribution this season.
Albion winger Anthony Knockaert. Picture by Phil Westlake (PW Sporting Photography)Albion winger Anthony Knockaert. Picture by Phil Westlake (PW Sporting Photography)
Albion winger Anthony Knockaert. Picture by Phil Westlake (PW Sporting Photography)

The French winger has netted 13 goals and notched seven assists in his 35 starts for Albion this season.

Not only that, but the 25-year-old has proved a constant thorn in the side of opponents with his trickery and at times scintillating wing play.

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He has been a key addition after joining on a three-and-a-year deal last January - which was extended by two years at the start of the month - from Belgium side Standard Liege.

Hughton also believes his experience of getting Leicester promoted to the Premier League is a big benefit.

Speaking after Albion’s 3-0 victory over Derby County, he said: “I was really particularly really pleased with players that have come in after not having much football. (Uwe) Huenemeier, (Liam) Rosenior and (Beram) Kayal has all not had a lot off football.

“Anthony has produced for us all season and I think that’s now 13 goals from a wide player, but not only that, he gets assists as well. In any division, I think that’s exceptional.

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“When we had the opportunity to take him, we jumped at that. One, because we knew of his talent, but two, he had had three years at Leicester, he knew the division and knew what we would want from him.

“The way we play is not to dissimilar to the ones he has played in before so it was an easy option, when we knew the option was to take him.”