Key Points
- West Ham United midfielder Soungoutou Magassa expresses confidence ahead of their Premier League clash against Brighton & Hove Albion.
- The match at London Stadium marks West Ham’s final game of 2025 after three consecutive league defeats.
- The 22-year-old summer signing from AS Monaco acknowledges the team’s missed opportunities but believes they can bounce back.
- Magassa highlights recent performances as evidence of progress despite challenging results.
- The French midfielder scored his first West Ham goal in the 1-1 away draw against Manchester United earlier in December.
- Magassa discusses adapting to English football, settling into life in London, and his connection with French-speaking teammates.
- The Hammers seek to end 2025 on a high as they aim to climb the Premier League table.
West Ham United midfielder Soungoutou Magassa remains optimistic that his team can rediscover their form and finish 2025 with a crucial victory, as they prepare to host Brighton & Hove Albion at London Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The 22-year-old Frenchman, who joined West Ham from AS Monaco in the summer, has quickly won over supporters with his energy and determination in midfield. Speaking in an official club interview covered by whufc.com, Magassa emphasised the importance of closing out the year strongly following a string of narrow defeats.
As reported by the West Ham United Official Website, Magassa stated: “I think we’ve had good moments recently, but we haven’t taken certain chances and that has cost us. The level is very high in this league, and we’re playing against the best teams and the best players, but we have to relish that challenge.”
Why Is This Match Against Brighton So Important For West Ham?
Tuesday’s meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion carries extra weight for West Ham, who have suffered three defeats in a row. Their most recent loss, a 1-0 setback to Fulham on Saturday, came courtesy of a late header from Raúl Jiménez. The result continued a frustrating run that has seen the Hammers fail to collect a win since 8 November.
Despite the streak, recent performances have reflected signs of progress. West Ham’s attacking sequences and compact defensive structure have been praised by pundits for showing “promising chemistry” among the newer players. As noted by Football.London reporter Jonty Colman, “the Hammers have looked more cohesive in spells, but individual lapses have cost them big moments.”
Brighton’s visit brings back memories of their 1-1 draw earlier in December, when Jarrod Bowen’s goal was equalised late on by Georginio Rutter. Magassa played a key role in midfield that day and believes his side can build on the understanding gained from that encounter.
“We’re looking forward to playing Brighton again,” Magassa told whufc.com. “We know it’s important to get points on the board so we can move up the league. We played them recently, when they scored near the end, and I think it was definitely a game we could have won.”
How Has Magassa Adapted To Life In The Premier League?
Magassa’s transition to English football has been notable for his composure under pressure and tenacity in duels. A Paris native and graduate of Monaco’s academy, he made his mark earlier this month by scoring his first Premier League goal during the 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford — a personal milestone he describes as “a special moment.”
When speaking about his first months in England, Magassa quoted by West Ham’s media team reflected:
“I was very happy to score my first goal in the Premier League against Manchester United. I’ve seen the goal back lots of times, and my family and friends were sending me clips, but really the most important thing was that I helped the team.”
His journey from Ligue 1 to the Premier League mirrors that of several French talents who have found success in England’s top flight. According to an analysis in The Guardian, Magassa’s tactical versatility — being able to play as a holding midfielder or ball-playing defender — aligns with manager David Moyes’s vision for greater flexibility in squad roles.
What Has Been Said About His Development And Team Chemistry?
With 12 appearances under his belt so far, Magassa views this early phase as a foundation for future success. His ability to recover possession and initiate transitions has drawn praise from teammates and coaches alike.
According to Evening Standard sports correspondent Malik Ouzia, West Ham’s coaching staff have been “impressed by Magassa’s work ethic and professionalism” since his arrival in east London.
Magassa himself emphasised the supportive environment within the club, crediting the team’s unity for helping him settle:
“The French speakers in the team in particular have helped me settle, but I get on well with my fellow midfielders and everyone in the squad. We all have the same goal, and we all want the three points against Brighton!”
He further discussed adapting to the demands of the English football schedule — something distinctly different from the Ligue 1 calendar.
“Playing so many games at this time of year is new for me because in France you have the winter break. But I’m a footballer, so I’m used to the rhythm of playing game after game, and it’s a good chance for us to get the points we need.”
Such remarks show the maturity of a young player taking ownership of his role amid a tough spell for the club.
What Is West Ham’s Current Situation Going Into This Game?
Following the loss to Fulham, West Ham find themselves in the middle of the Premier League pack, seeking to bridge the gap to the top six. Injuries and fixture congestion have presented obstacles, but optimism persists within the camp that results will improve once momentum returns.
Manager David Moyes has encouraged his side to remain disciplined while rediscovering their finishing touch. As quoted by BBC Sport after the Fulham defeat, Moyes said: “I can’t fault the effort, but we need to turn our chances into goals. The players are working extremely hard, and the results will come.”
Brighton, meanwhile, enter the contest looking to build consistency following a series of mixed results under Roberto De Zerbi. The Seagulls’ attacking style and high press have previously troubled West Ham, making Tuesday night’s clash an intriguing tactical contest.
How Has The Team Responded To Recent Setbacks?
Despite recent narrow losses, West Ham’s performances have still drawn encouragement from supporters and analysts alike. Their defensive discipline against top sides like Manchester United and their fluidity in transition against Brighton earlier in the month have been key talking points.
Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards noted after their last outing: “West Ham are a team still evolving — they’ve added young players like Magassa who are learning on the job, but the foundation is there.”
Magassa agrees, recognising that collective improvement will yield results.
“We’ve had good moments recently, but we haven’t taken certain chances and that has cost us,” he said. “But we have to relish that challenge and keep believing in what we’re doing.”
Those words encapsulate a spirit of resilience common within Moyes’s teams — a commitment to recover quickly and face adversity head-on.
What Lies Ahead For Soungoutou Magassa And West Ham?
As West Ham prepare for the final whistle of 2025, both the player and his club share the same aim: to close the year on a positive note and build momentum for the second half of the season.
For Magassa, the Brighton fixture represents more than just another league game — it is a chance to consolidate his place in the starting lineup and to continue his promising adaptation to English football.
With growing confidence and visible leadership qualities, Magassa’s development could become a cornerstone of West Ham’s midfield future. As The Athletic analyst Roshane Thomas recently observed, “Magassa has the raw tools and temperament to become a mainstay in Moyes’s engine room — disciplined, calm, and tactically aware.”
Whether that vision takes shape in the coming months remains to be seen, but his words before kick-off say it best:
“For me, being here at this club and in this league is a real pleasure. I’m just going to keep fighting.”
