Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan believes captain Lewis Dunk has taken his game to “another level” under Graham Potter this season. Central defender Dunk has been an ever-present in the Brighton team since Potter took over as manager during the summer, with a number of supporters feeling the 27-year-old’s form should have earned him a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad.
Dunk was ultimately overlooked for England’s upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers against Montenegro and Kosovo, which means he will not get a chance to add to the sole cap he won last year.
Ryan feels Dunk is worthy of further international recognition, particularly as he believes the former Bristol City player’s game has improved greatly since Potter’s arrival as manager. “Dunky has been taking his game to another level,” the Australia international was quoted as saying by The Argus. “Graham has helped take his on-the-ball skills to another level. “Then it comes down to him and his composure in those moments when he is on the ball and his execution finding the player.”
Dunk will have a new partner in the Brighton defence when the Seagulls travel to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday as Adam Webster has been ruled out for several weeks after suffering ankle ligament damage in last week’s victory over Norwich.
Shane Duffy, who had been Dunk’s regular partner before Webster’s arrival, came on to score against the Canaries and Potter says the Irishman is likely to step back into the starting line-up on Sunday. “Shane came in and did well and we have got other options,” Potter said. “Adam was playing well and was important to what we were trying to do.”
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