Johnny Cantor: Goldson has the merits of a future Seagulls captain

Off and running. It is always nice for a player to open their account at a club and Albion defender Connor Goldson further enhanced his credentials on Tuesday with his first Seagulls goal at Birmingham.
Connor Goldson. Picture by Angela BrinkhurstConnor Goldson. Picture by Angela Brinkhurst
Connor Goldson. Picture by Angela Brinkhurst

When he joined the club from Shrewsbury, he told me he was an aerial threat and the Albion may just need him and players like Lewis Dunk to chip in with goals in the remaining six games of the season.

There is no doubt that the Seagulls will miss Bobby Zamora and Sam Baldock but they showed they have a wealth of talent in wide positions and now in the centre of defence.

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Goldson has made a huge impression since forcing his way into the side. It must have been hugely frustrating not to have featured straight away but now he is keeping captain Gordon Greer out of the side.

Goldson, though, is by no means a raw talent. Last year he led Shrewsbury Town to promotion to League One and is now targeting another successful campaign. His patience when not in the side showed a maturity but now he is a regular in the starting 11, he is also showing to us all his talents as a footballer.

He is not the tallest central defender in the Championship but is excellent in the air. With the ball at his feet he is always keen to stride forward quickly and pose threat in the opposition half.

His understanding with Dunk is clear to see and they certainly would appear to be the central partnership for the future of Chris Hughton’s side.

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In the away draw at Preston, he also demonstrated a strength, determination and resilience against feisty opposition.

Strong on and off the ball, Goldson has the merits of a future Seagulls captain. He talks a good game but also plays one as well. He is confident but not arrogant.

Bruno has been leading the side to great effect in the absence of Greer, however in years to come it would not surprise me if Albion’s new pretender in defence wears the armband in the future.

The reaction from his teammates on Tuesday night after his goal suggests he would be a popular appointment.

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