Maxim De Cuyper has quickly become one of Brighton & Hove Albion’s most intriguing attacking options at the start of the 2026-27 season. The Belgian defender has added goals and assists to his game while operating in a more advanced position, and his latest contribution came in Brighton’s dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The 25-year-old has made a significant impact since the beginning of the campaign, demonstrating that his role at Brighton can extend well beyond traditional left-back duties.
A Different Role at Brighton
De Cuyper arrived at Brighton after establishing himself in Belgian football with Club Brugge. His natural position is on the left side of defense, but Fabian Hürzeler has increasingly used him higher up the pitch.
That tactical adjustment has allowed the Belgian to take greater advantage of his passing, movement and crossing ability.
Rather than simply providing width from deep, De Cuyper has been able to receive possession closer to the opposition penalty area. His ability to move between defensive and attacking positions gives Brighton another way to change the shape of its attack.
The switch has already produced tangible results.
Strong Beginning to the 2026-27 Campaign
De Cuyper’s opening weeks of the season have included several productive performances.
He scored and assisted in Brighton’s 4-0 Conference League qualifying victory over Tromsø in August, while another goal followed against Aston Villa. He also recorded assists against Leeds United and Coventry City in September.
Brighton’s 5-0 victory at Coventry was particularly productive for him, with the Belgian completing the full match and providing an assist.
Those performances helped establish a pattern: De Cuyper is becoming increasingly influential in the final third.
His current Premier League record stands at one goal and two assists after four appearances, according to available match statistics.
Old Trafford Provides His Latest Highlight
The biggest moment of De Cuyper’s campaign so far arrived on September 16.
Brighton traveled to Old Trafford for a League Cup third-round meeting with Manchester United and found themselves two goals behind after only 10 minutes.
Shea Lacey opened the scoring before Mason Mount doubled the home side’s advantage.
Brighton responded before halftime through Charalampos Kostoulas, giving the visitors renewed hope.
The second half changed the contest completely.
Pascal Gross equalized in the 65th minute before De Cuyper was introduced from the bench. Within minutes, he produced the decisive moment.
The Belgian struck in the 69th minute to complete Brighton’s comeback and secure a 3-2 victory.
It was a particularly notable contribution because he needed only a short time on the pitch to change the result.
A Growing Goal Threat
De Cuyper’s recent numbers indicate that his attacking development is becoming an important part of his identity.
He has already found the net against several opponents during the opening weeks of the campaign. His goal against Manchester United was especially significant because it came in a high-pressure away match and immediately put Brighton ahead.
His assists have also demonstrated his ability to create chances rather than simply finish them.
That combination makes him difficult for opponents to handle. Defenders must account for his runs, crossing ability and willingness to move into dangerous areas.
For Brighton, having a player who can perform defensive duties while also contributing directly to goals provides additional tactical flexibility.
From Club Brugge to the Premier League
The foundation for De Cuyper’s development was built in Belgium.
He came through Club Brugge’s academy and eventually became a senior player for one of the country’s leading clubs. A loan spell with Westerlo provided valuable first-team experience before he returned to Club Brugge and established himself at a higher level.
His performances earned him silverware and international recognition.
De Cuyper was part of Club Brugge’s successful domestic campaigns and eventually attracted attention from Premier League clubs.
Brighton completed his move to England in 2025, giving the Belgian the opportunity to test himself against a different style of football.
His first season involved an adjustment period, but the beginning of the 2026-27 campaign suggests he is becoming increasingly comfortable with the demands of English football.
Belgium Career Continues to Develop
De Cuyper is also an established member of Belgium’s senior setup.
He made his international debut in 2024 and was selected for Belgium’s squad at the European Championship that year. Although he did not feature during the tournament, he continued to develop into a regular international option.
He subsequently gained more experience with the national team and was involved during Belgium’s 2026 World Cup campaign.
His versatility is particularly valuable internationally because Belgium can use him in different positions depending on the opposition and tactical setup.
The arrival of Mark van Bommel as Belgium’s head coach has created another chapter in De Cuyper’s international career. His strong form at Brighton gives him an opportunity to remain part of the national team’s plans.
Why His Versatility Matters
Modern football increasingly demands players who can perform more than one function.
De Cuyper fits that profile.
At left-back, he can help Brighton build from the defensive third and progress possession. Further forward, he can operate as a winger and contribute to attacks. His left-footed delivery also gives the team another option when creating chances from wide areas.
That flexibility can be particularly useful during matches when Brighton needs to change its approach.
A player capable of shifting between positions without requiring a substitution gives Hürzeler greater freedom when making tactical adjustments.
Long-Term Brighton Outlook
De Cuyper’s Brighton contract runs through 2030, providing the club with a long-term commitment from a player who is still developing.
His age is also significant. At 25, he has considerable senior experience but remains young enough to add new elements to his game.
The challenge now is consistency.
Producing goals and assists over several matches is different from maintaining that level across an entire Premier League season. De Cuyper will be expected to continue contributing while adapting to opponents who become increasingly familiar with his attacking movements.
His defensive responsibilities will remain important as well.
The more advanced role may increase his attacking influence, but Brighton will still need him to maintain discipline when possession changes hands.
The Next Test
Brighton’s next Premier League assignment is against Arsenal on September 19, giving De Cuyper another opportunity to demonstrate how effective his new role can be against high-level opposition.
The fixture comes only days after his decisive contribution at Old Trafford.
For Brighton, his current form provides another attacking weapon. For Belgium, it offers encouraging signs about a player who has steadily moved from academy football to Premier League and international competition.
De Cuyper’s career is entering an important period, and his performances at the beginning of this season have already changed the conversation around his role.
He is no longer viewed simply as a young Belgian full-back developing in England. His recent contributions suggest he can be a genuine attacking influence for Brighton while continuing to provide flexibility across the left side.