Nobody can fault the efforts of Dale Stephens and Davy Propper this season. The midfield duo have featured in every minute of Brighton's Premier League campaign, contributing three top flight assists amid all of their tireless work in the middle of the park.

That dependence though, suggests Chris Hughton would be open to signing another midfielder before the end of the January transfer window, should an opportunity allow.

Judging by Beram Kayal's performance against Crystal Palace last night, however, Hughton already has at least one solid alternative to fall back on in the form of the 5 foot 10 midfielder.

The 29-year-old is only just coming back into the side after being sidelined through injury at the start of the campaign but appeared to be up to full speed last night, providing a Man of the Match display in the FA Cup Third Round clash.

Indeed, the 30-cap Israeli international made the most tackles and completed the most dribbles of any player on the pitch, produced the second-most created chances of any Brighton player and completed a whopping 94% of his passes in an impressive all-round midfield display from the former Celtic man, which was central to the Seagulls progressing to the Fourth Round by beating their fierce rivals 2-1.

Having been at the Amex since 2015, Brighton fans and Hughton will already be aware of what Kayal can offer the team - he made 43 appearances as they achieved promotion last season. But returning to form after an injury layoff just as the January window opens, Kayal's performance last night was a timely indicator that Hughton doesn't need to spend big on another midfield option and can focus his funds on other departments this month.

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