Gaetan Bong and Anthony Knockaert are proving a great combination for Seagulls this season.
Players and coaches commit hours on the training pitch every day looking for the right combination that can break open the defence of the opposition they play in their next game.
When a connection between two players proves successful on matchday, not only is it a relief that the plan has worked, it can also be used as a powerful tool for further success.
In the early stages of the 2016-17 season, Brighton have the the number one assist-to-goalscorer combination courtesy of left-back Gaetan Bong and winger Anthony Knockaert
The duo have combined on three occasions this season. The latest came on Saturday against Sheffield Wednesday, when Bong sent in a low ball across the six-yard box for Knockaert to score the Seagulls’ second goal.
It was the first time the duo had teamed up to score in nearly two months after combining in the early stages of the season against Nottingham Forest and Rotherham.
Bong has been a solid performer for the Seagulls since signing on a free transfer from Wigan in July 2015. The Cameroon international likes to get forward and create chances as much as possible, but his prime role is being part of the best defence in the Championship this season.
Meanwhile, since signing from Standard Liege in January, Knockaert has been one of the best performers for Brighton in his roaming attacking midfield role, scoring 10 goals in 29 appearances, including five this season.
The 24 year-old Frenchman is no stranger to life in the Championship, having played for Leicester between 2012 and 2015, and was a prime figure in the Foxes’ promotion in 2014. However once they were in the Premier League he was not in the plans of then-manager Nigel Pearson, only making nine league appearances in the season.
That disappointment has spurred Knockaert onto greater personal heights and the Seagulls will be hoping his form, along with his combination with Bong, can last until the end of the season where they aim to seal promotion to the Premier League for the first time.
Leading assist-to-goal combinations in Championship
Gaetan Bong/Anthony Knockaert (Brighton) 3
Barry Bannan/Steven Fletcher (Sheffield Wednesday) 2
Ross Wallace/Kieran Lee (Sheffield Wednesday) 2
Craig Conway/Marvin Emnes (Blackburn) 2
Tommy Smith/Elias Kachunga (Huddersfield) 2
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