Warran Aspinall Evaluates Carlos Baleba’s Developing Potential

Warran Aspinall, a former striker for Brighton, has stated that Carlos Baleba has displayed “glimpses of his potential” during the current season, further remarking that the defensive midfielder’s ability is “on a par” with that of ex-Seagulls player Moises Caicedo. During an appearance on BBC Radio Sussex’s Albion Unlimited podcast, Aspinall commented: “He is getting better and better. When he gets the ball on the half-turn, he uses his body and strength to get that quick five yards and get his head up. Then he can break the lines and take two or three midfield players out of the game straight away.” He elaborated on areas for improvement, noting: “Sometimes he takes too many touches with his head down and he gets all flustered. If he can get his head up and look around – because he’s gained that space with his power in the first five yards – he can then play a simple pass.” Aspinall emphasized the importance of consistency for Baleba to reach elite status, stating: “To become a top player now, he needs to be consistent. It’s not about having three good games, three bad games.” He added, “He needs to have games like he did against Manchester City, against a top-class midfield. We have seen glimpses of his potential.” Addressing Baleba’s self-frustration, Aspinall advised: “He gets frustrated with himself at times in games, but he doesn’t need to do that. The world is his oyster.” He then drew a comparison to Moises Caicedo, who transferred for over £100m, asserting that “Baleba is on a par with him.” Aspinall speculated that Baleba “is probably the next player that will be on the conveyor belt to go for bigger money,” while also acknowledging, “We need to keep these players if we can – they have all got a price tag on their heads.” Concluding his remarks, Aspinall offered counsel to Carlos Baleba: “just needs to keep his feet on the ground [for now] and keep listening to Daddy [Danny] Welbeck.”