Zadok Yohanna makes Brighton debut in convincing pre-season win over Roma

Brighton and Hove Albion began their pre-season programme with an impressive 3-0 victory over AS Roma on Saturday, with summer signing Zadok Yohanna making his first appearance for the club in front of the home supporters.

The 19-year-old Nigeria forward came on for the final 30 minutes at the AMEX Stadium, receiving a warm ovation as he sprinted on to the pitch. By that stage, Fabian Hurzeler’s side had already established a commanding three-goal advantage.

The match also gave Brighton fans their first opportunity to see the club’s new home kit in action, while Yohanna’s arrival provided another highlight on an encouraging afternoon for the Seagulls.

Signed from AIK for €28 million, Yohanna was introduced with the main task of helping Brighton preserve their lead, although the visitors were unable to mount a comeback. His performance showed flashes of the pace and attacking ability that persuaded Brighton to make him a priority target after only two seasons in Sweden.

The forward recorded one shot on target and completed his only attempted dribble. He made nine of 12 passes successfully, including two of three attempts in the final third, while one of his four progressive passes found its intended target. Yohanna had 21 touches during his half-hour on the pitch.

He also contributed defensively, winning three of seven ground duels, completing his only attempted tackle and making one recovery. His acceleration was particularly noticeable, with bursts of speed allowing him to move away from Roma defenders.

There were, however, moments when his decision-making needed greater precision. Overall, he received a rating of 6.5 for his contribution against I Giallorossi.

Yohanna’s arrival in the Brighton first-team squad follows a productive spell with AIK. He scored two goals and supplied two assists in seven league appearances for the Swedish club last season, form which helped attract Brighton’s interest.

Hurzeler was pleased with the overall performance, particularly the energy and intensity his team displayed before the second-half substitutions changed the rhythm of the contest.

‘I was quite satisfied because, I think we want to show energy, intensity. We want to press high, we want to play football that excites us, the people and therefore I think we showed in the first half.

‘… in the second half with the changes it is normal in a test game that the rhythm got a little bit stopped or broke up. But I was really happy that we scored goals, we kept a clean sheet, that we stick together as a team.

‘There were certain moments where we had to suffer a little bit. But, we overcome this and therefore I was happy.’

For Yohanna, the appearance represented a promising first step in Brighton colours. His speed and willingness to work without the ball offered encouragement, although he will need to refine his choices in possession as he becomes accustomed to the team’s style.

Brighton are expected to include him in their first-team plans for the new season, and the teenager will now look to build on his opening 30 minutes as preparations continue.