Lewis Dunk is one of the top five defenders in EUROPE says De Zerbi as he opens up on Brighton future
ROBERTO DE ZERBI has labelled Lewis Dunk as one of the best defenders in Europe.
The Brighton boss has been singing the praises of his ever-present centre-back as the Seagulls continue to fly high in the league.
Lewis Dunk has been has only ever been capped once for England despite his consistent form and high praise from Roberto De Zerbi
Roberto De Zerbi has only lost seven games in all competitions since he took charge of Brighton
It has been an impressive season for the seaside club as they currently sit in seventh place in the Premier League with a trip to Wembley for the FA Cup semi-final to come.
De Zerbi spoke to Italian outlet Gazzetta Dello Sport and discussed what he felt the key to their success was this season.
The former Shakhtar Donetsk boss pointed towards his players for praise rather than himself, singling out Dunk.
He said: “The secret, however, is in the hard core of the dressing room. People like Dunk, for me he is one of the top five central defenders in Europe,
“Gross, Veltman, Welbeck, Webster, Lallana, March, Steele. Brighton don’t have to be careful when I leave, but when this group of players quit or leave”
Dunk came through the club’s academy and has made over 400 appearances for the side, scoring an impressive 26 times as a central defender.
De Zerbi has been an excellent replacement at the Amex Stadium since the departure of Graham Potter who left for Chelsea.
Brighton currently sit three places above the London club and beat them 4-1 earlier in the season.
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The 43-year-old italian has already been linked with management jobs elsewhere and opened up about his future in the interview.
He said: “Before coming here it didn’t appeal to me. But it was love at first sight.
“And today I recognise the good fortune of having arrived here, in the Premier League,
“But also that of having found such a strong team, with the right guys and good people.
“I make a living from football no matter where I do it. When I finish here, I would like to experience another foreign league.”
Brighton face a tricky battle at home in their next league game following the international break as they host fellow high flyers Brentford.
