Who is the youngest Premier League manager ever? There is a new kid on the block who has a bright future on the evidence of his start to life in the world's toughest league, and here we will delve into what he can potentially deliver over the coming months.
From the moment the first whistle blew, on what became a staggering 3-0 opening weekend victory over Everton at Goodison Park, Brighton & Hove Albion boss Fabian Hurzeler became the youngest permanent Premier League manager.
So too did he become the league's second-youngest boss overall behind Ryan Mason, who was 29 at the time of his first interim stint as Tottenham manager. Meanwhile, Hurzeler also overtook Chris Coleman and Attilio Lombardo, who were both 32 when making their debut on the Premier League touchline.
Key strengths of the youngest Premier League manager ever appointed full-time
Achievement against the odds
Hurzeler made a name for himself at FC St. Pauli, as in his debut season in the Bundesliga 2 division, he turned them from relegation contenders to promotion hopefuls. In the 2023/24 campaign, he got St. Pauli promoted to the Bundesliga by a clear six-point margin, after they went unbeaten in the first 20 Bundesliga 2 matchdays.
Not even a 1-0 loss at Magdeburg on 10 February could throw them off track, and nine wins in the final 13 rounds proved enough to clinch the title. Along the way, Hurzeler's charges reflected the often-fearless nature that young managers can display under the right circumstances, as evidenced by the fact that only six of their 20 league wins came with a clean sheet.
That boldness certainly hasn't been lost on those who have seen it all and done it all. Brighton elder statesman James Milner – who is seven years Hurzeler's senior – certainly fits that description, and made a comparison that Hurzeler should cherish deeply at this early stage…
Early signs of Gegenpressing
Mere days before breaking a record of his own in the same game, by playing in a 23rd successive Premier League campaign, Milner was already comparing Hurzeler to the much-idolised Jurgen Klopp.
Having won major silverware under Klopp at Anfield, Milner is more qualified than most to make such a bold comparison. Speaking to Sky Sports last week, he said he was “getting flashbacks”, before adding: “In terms of how we defend especially, the focus is on high intensity, counter-pressing and quick reactions to turnovers.”
It is these key elements of play that formed the cornerstone characteristics of ‘Gegenpressing', which only the wiliest of opponents could withstand at the peak of Klopp's success on Merseyside. In the title-winning 2019/20 campaign particularly, most Premier League rivals could but stand and stare at this relentless style.
Tactical setup shows ingenuity
At Goodison Park, the German started his team in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with four very attacking players in new signing Yankuba Minteh, Joao Pedro, Kaoru Mitoma and Danny Welbeck, all of whom possess explosive pace. This was to Brighton's advantage for their opening goal, as Minteh burst down the wing before crossing for his opposite winger Mitoma to slot home at the back post.
The Seagulls' second and third goals were very similar, scored by Welbeck and substitute Simon Adingra with left-footed shots into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. With the Everton defence retreating back, both attackers were direct and attacked the space, before producing fine finishes.
Positive signs but challenges are inevitable
Hurzeler was announced as the new Brighton manager only in June, and has splashed the cash so far. Brighton's new signings this summer include £40m Minteh as well as £25m spent each on Mats Wieffer and Brajan Gruda. In particular, the money spent on Minteh looks like a smart investment so far, though he will face much tougher opponents than a sluggish Everton defence missing half of its regulars.
Furthermore, Brighton struggled a bit defensively at the start of the match themselves, as Hurzeler's high defensive line was exploited by Everton with runs in behind, and the Toffees really should have scored at least one of their chances. Nonetheless, he clearly wants his team to be on the front foot and press high up the pitch, which comes with its risks – as last season's results with St. Pauli show.
It will always be difficult to follow in the footsteps of Roberto De Zerbi, who helped Brighton qualify for European football for the first time ever in their history. However, Hurzeler has made a great first impression, and games at home to Manchester United and away to Arsenal coming up will prove a real test of his credentials.
