Solomon Benjamin March is that rarest of beasts, a footballer who just keeps getting better and better.
Now a seasoned 28 years of age, the Seagulls star who was once routinely described as a ‘utility player’ consistently found levels this season that ultimately had him post the best numbers for a team that has been little short of a revelation.
As Brighton wildly outstripped all expectations of them in the betting, so did March do likewise on an individual basis.
Across 2022/23 he chipped in with seven goals and seven assists, winning six Man of the Match awards into the bargain.
From wide on the right he completed 1.8 successful dribbles, the equal of team-mate Kaoru Mitoma who has enjoyed huge acclaim for his ability to beat a man. All campaign long he averaged two key passes per 90 and 2.2 shots per game.
Indeed, statistically, only seven top-flight players outperformed the wing-back-turned-winger and inevitably this has led to March’s reputation soaring.
Don’t be surprised therefore if an England call-up is soon forthcoming to extend on three Under 21 caps won far back in 2017.
Back then, the Eastbourne-born midfielder was predominantly stationed on the left, a useful cog in a recently promoted Brighton side that quickly found itself prominent in the Premier League relegation odds.
Defensively, March’s work ethic was always a real asset but going forward he posed little threat, once going almost two full years without finding the target.
To sharply contrast with that, his seven goal haul this term was all notched between Boxing Day and mid-March.
His overall performances too – as well as the manner in which he influences proceedings - have come on leaps and bounds in recent seasons, a quantum leap in improvement that can partly be attributed to the arrival of Graham Potter, who switched the affable player to the other flank.
The best of Solly's superb season! 🤩💫 pic.twitter.com/dEpKMSh4ok
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) June 13, 2023
That is nothing however to the remarkable transformation that has taken place since Roberto De Zerbi has taken charge, with March completely buying into the Italian’s innovative and demanding ways and becoming a highly effective, reimagined talent in the process.
From September, he has become a goal-scoring game-changer, full of endeavour and ingenuity. So often he has been the most impactful player on the pitch.
“I’m getting better with age,” March noted just prior to De Zerbi’s arrival so goodness knows how he views his recent blossoming.
By being one of the most down-to-earth players in the top-flight though, it will presumably be an under-stated acknowledgement and nothing more.
And perhaps it is because March never seeks the limelight that he remains a thoroughly under-rated talent, hugely appreciated by Brighton fans but elsewhere barely mentioned in dispatches.
This summer Liverpool have swooped for Alexis Mac Allister while others scramble to secure the signature of Moises Caicedo. The success of Brighton and their catapulting up the table has made their players a very attractive proposition to clubs higher up the pecking order.
Yet you’d be hard-pushed to find any transfer gossip surrounding March. A reimagined, brilliant talent fated to forever excel under the radar.
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*
