Squad rotation and a focus on young players played an integral part in Albion’s Premier League season according to figures for the club.

Statistics from Opta show that Roberto De Zerbi featured more players under 21 than any team in the league, and among the most in the history of the Premier League.

A dive into the figures for Brighton shows that, through rotations and injuries, the club made more changes to the starting line-up than any other Premier League team in 2023/24.

In total, Roberto De Zerbi made 143 changes to the starting line-up across the Premier League season.

The only squads to make more changes in the league’s history are Manchester United’s 2013/14 squad under David Moyes and Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in 2019/20.

Similarly, Albion’s young stars made 186 combined appearances in the Premier League, the third highest figure since the league’s inception.

Albion have been forced into more squad rotation due to the increased demands of the first season in Europe and a number of injuries to key players.

Kaoru Mitoma, Pervis Estupinan and Ansu Fati all faced extended spells on the sidelines due to injuries this season.

Brighton’s extended run in the Europa League led to further strain on the squad with midweek action in Athens, Amsterdam, Marseille and Rome.

It comes after academy manager Ian Buckman hailed the success of the youth system set-up saw youngsters such as Jack Hinshelwood, Josh Duffus and Benicio Baker-Boaitey appear for the club.

He said: “It has been an exciting year in the academy and a historic time to be part of our football club.

“We have enjoyed a positive and progressive season, with our main priority to provide players for the men’s first team.

“Our contribution continues to grow, particularly this season with the increased demands of European football.”

Albion’s raft of young talent also includes the likes of Evan Ferguson, Valentin Barco and Bart Verbruggen making and impact on the first team.