De Zerbi staff on what new buy Lamptey brings to Fiorentina from Brighton after €6m transfer

Tariq Lamptey has joined Fiorentina from Brighton and Hove Albion, so the assistant of his former coach Roberto De Zerbi explains what he can bring to Serie A.

The right-back turns 25 later this month and made the move on transfer deadline day for €6m, having been at Brighton since 2020.

In order to get a good idea of his playing style, Radio FirenzeViola called up Marcello Quinto, a member of De Zerbi’s staff at both Brighton and currently Olympique Marseille.

Fiorentina fans introduced to Lamptey

“Lamptey is first and foremost an exceptional lad, then a very good player,” said Quinto.

“The advantage he has over Dodo is that he can play on the right and the left, at least he did with us at Brighton. Even if quite small, he has energy and decent pace. He’ll bring a lot to Fiorentina.”

When it came to finding negatives, there were some issues that affected his career in the Premier League.

“The only big problem over two years we worked with him is that he had a few too many injury problems. I am sure the Fiorentina fans will appreciate him, because he gives his all to the coach and his teammates.

“He’s very instinctive, but definitely cannot play in central roles. He can be a full-back or a wing-back in a five-man midfield, because he guarantees energy. He’s very similar to Dodo, but they also have different characteristics, as he’s stronger in defence. Dodo is better when getting to the by-line and making the final decision on the pass.”

Lamptey arrived at Fiorentina already carrying a knee injury and made just 20 competitive appearances last season, scoring three goals with two assists.

A product of the Chelsea youth academy, the defender made the move to Brighton for €1.2m in January 2020.