Chema Andres Makes Bright Start at Brighton After Stuttgart Switch

Chema has made a fast start to life at Brighton after arriving from VfB Stuttgart in a deal estimated at €23 million on September 1, with the Spanish midfielder contributing a goal and an assist in his opening weeks on the south coast.

Rapid impact after Stuttgart move

The 21-year-old, who came through Real Madrid’s academy, entered English football in Brighton’s 5-0 win away to Coventry City. He then opened his account in emphatic fashion during the Seagulls’ 3-0 home victory over Arsenal, producing the standout finish that has intensified attention around the player known as “Baby Rodri”.

Brighton’s early results have carried them to third place in the Premier League, with Fabian Hurzeler’s team collecting 10 points from five matches. Chema has settled quickly despite having spent only three weeks with his new club when discussing his start.

He said the opening period had moved quickly but described himself as enthusiastic and pleased with how matters had gone, adding that the debut, goal and assist had made for an encouraging introduction.

Premier League demands

Chema believes the Premier League has presented a different physical and technical challenge from the Bundesliga, where he played for Stuttgart.

• He described both competitions as highly competitive.
• He said England’s top division moves at a faster, more continuous pace, with fewer breaks in play.
• He noted that referees tend to allow matches to develop and felt the physical standard was higher.
• He said scoring in the Premier League had been especially exciting.

The midfielder has also enjoyed the reaction to his Arsenal goal. Friends and relatives have repeatedly sent him clips of the strike in group chats, and he admitted that he has watched it several times because of the excitement it has created.

Language and dressing-room adaptation

Communication has not proved a major obstacle for Chema. He said English is the common language around Brighton’s squad and at the training ground, which has helped him adjust more easily than he initially expected.

He had also used English regularly in Germany, although he felt the need to deal with German could sometimes make matters more difficult. With Hurzeler a German coach, Chema added that his time in the Bundesliga had already given him some understanding of German speakers.

Brighton’s next test

The international break arrives with Brighton holding a top-four position and carrying considerable momentum from their first five fixtures. Their next assignment is a trip to Sunderland on October 10.

Victory at the Stadium of Light would strengthen Brighton’s attempt to remain alongside the division’s early leaders, while Chema will hope his immediate influence continues after the break.