The pre-season schedule has concluded and we have all formed our views.
Perhaps too many conclusions drawn from exhibition matches.
Continuity represented a key theme for Brighton regarding approach, systems and, for the most part, the squad.
Though there were two significant absences in Danny Welbeck and Jan Paul van Hecke along with several new arrivals.
For instance, the starting eleven selected to face Roma featured only two alterations from the side that began the closing fixtures at Tottenham last term.
Here are five individuals who attracted my attention during the friendly fixtures for varying reasons.
Not necessarily because they were the standout five but they were certainly noteworthy.
Georginio Rutter
Welbeck featured in the opening friendly against Wycombe but subsequently Rutter has logged more minutes than anyone operating as the central attacker.
In his own particular fashion, naturally. Everyone is aware and he acknowledges that he does not fit the mould of a conventional centre-forward.
He found the net with a typical striker’s finish against Wycombe and a more speculative effort from distance against Roma.
He has contributed to goalscoring opportunities, he compelled a couple of smart stops from the Strasbourg goalkeeper and he has squandered chances (as Welbeck occasionally did).
However, what has particularly caught the eye has been his overall attitude. His industry, resolve, appetite and sheer determination to remain involved at all times. Furthermore, he has appeared to be revelling in the experience.
He seems more energised and eager than we have previously witnessed and the expectation is that this drive can help generate positive outcomes.
Olivier Boscagli
Olivier Boscagli has produced a solid pre-season campaign
Brighton invested considerable time pursuing him and that persistence has been reflected in the first campaign for this highly accomplished former PSV defender.
Could this represent his opportunity to genuinely excel and utilise all that expertise and understanding?
Should he feature at Tromso, it will constitute his 54th European fixture, encompassing qualifying rounds.
We also witnessed different aspects of his left-footed technique with set-piece deliveries and an impressive finish against Strasbourg in Vienna.
Luka Vuskovic
Another defender who made a substantial impression during the two matches at the Amex.
A thunderous sliding challenge directly in front of the North Stand offered an effective introduction to Brighton supporters.
Ferdi Kadioglu
Ferdi Kadioglu showed promise against Bologna
This illustrates how pre-season can unfold. The previous season’s player of the year returned following what must have been a disappointing World Cup.
He subsequently appeared uncomfortable during the opening 20 minutes of his initial friendly as Strasbourg targeted that area effectively for two goals.
Nevertheless, that is precisely what this period is designed for.
He gradually rediscovered his rhythm and certainly appeared sharp and progressive against Bologna.
With the possibility of no natural left-winger ahead of him for some time, his offensive creativity becomes even more valuable and we witnessed hints of this in the concluding friendly.
Malick Yalcouye
What role awaits Malick Yalcouye this campaign?
He has demonstrated composure and reliability in his midfield appearances without necessarily dominating proceedings.
However, that forms part of the requirement and it will be intriguing to observe what the season holds for him following two years spent on loan elsewhere.
Brighton experienced the departure of James Milner from that position during the summer.
Should Brighton progress past Tromso, Yalcouye could prove a useful asset, particularly remembering his European performances during his loan stint at Sturm Graz.
Regardless of how events transpire, it will be fascinating to see what strategy emerges for the industrious Ivorian, who remains only 20 years old. And that explains his inclusion here.