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The latest decision from Brighton’s hierarchy is indicative of progress on the South Coast – opinion

Brighton and Hove Albion revealed on Wednesday that Dutch central midfielder Davy Propper had signed a two-year contract extension to keep him at the Amex Stadium until 2023. The 28-year-old initially joined from PSV Eindhoven in 2017 for a then club-record fee of £6m and was approaching the end of his initial four-year deal. Securing his services for at least another two years is a sign of the progress the Seagulls have made in the Premier League, as he has 19 international appearances for the Netherlands and has chosen to stay instead of potentially moving for nothing in the near future.

In the past, Brighton could have provided an opportunity for players to advertise themselves in the Premier League by performing well and moving on, but Propper extending his stay signals that is no longer the case, as he is a regular international who was part of the Netherlands UEFA Nations League squad. So far this season the 28-year-old is Brighton’s fourth most prolific assist provider in the Premier League, having set up two goals, and has found the back of the net once.

Propper is also a key defensive contributor for Graham Potter’s side having averaged 2.1 tackles per match in his 22 Premier League games this season, and only Dale Stephens has averaged more tackles per game, 2.6 from midfield. Meanwhile, only Stephens and Solly March have provided more interceptions per 90 minutes in Brighton’s engine room, 2.6 and 1.1 respectively, while Propper has recorded one per match. However, the Dutch international is also guilty of having conceded the second most fouls of any Brighton player with 1.3 per game.

Creatively Propper also plays a significant role in the Seagull’s build-up play, having averaged 59.5 passes per match with a success rate of 84.6 per cent, while also providing 0.9 key passes every 90 minutes. As one of the clubs most essential assets who has missed just three Premier League matches this season, retaining Propper’s services for the next two years signals progress for Brighton. They are now an established top-flight side with this their third season in the division and if they are to maintain their Premier League status holding on to key assets is imperative for progress.

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