Zane Albarus has won trophies with Brighton’s academy but Gillingham’s recent signing says the biggest thrill is still to come.
The 20-year-old central midfielder signed a two-year deal at Priestfield last week after ending his stint at Brighton by helping the under-21 side win the Premier League 2 play-off final.
His time with the Seagulls ended on a high, coming off the bench as Brighton beat Manchester United 1-0 at the AMEX Stadium to lift the trophy, but admits the prospect of competing for league points every week was a major attraction of the move.
“I am so excited to be on board for next season,” said Albarus, following his Gills move.
“It’s going to be my first opportunity in a senior team playing EFL football and being able to adapt from under-21s football into a senior team. I am excited for it.
“I think being able to play where points matter, playing where something matters behind it, I can’t wait.”
Albarus joined Brighton from MK Dons as an under-16 and made 10 appearances for the club’s under-21 side last season, including playing the full 90 minutes in a 3-1 victory over Tottenham towards the end of the campaign.
His final weeks at Brighton provided a fitting farewell.
“Winning the Premier League 2 play-off final was a really special moment,” he said.
“Being able to play with my team-mates for one last dance and to be able to win a trophy was brilliant.
“Two seasons ago, being able to win a trophy in the Hong Kong Soccer Sevens was fun as well. The best memories are when you’re winning.”
Gills supporters can expect a combative and committed performer in midfield, according to the new recruit.
“As a minimum, I am hard-working,” said Albarus.
“I put 110 per cent into anything I do and I can be quite tenacious as well.
“I like to put in a heavy challenge when I can and hopefully that can get the fans going.
“I am versatile as well. I can adapt, which will be important going into a senior team if I want to get minutes.”
Albarus also spoke to former Gillingham midfielder and captain Andrew Crofts before making the move.
Crofts has gone on to big things with Brighton after progressing there as a coach, where he is currently first-team assistant.
“We spoke before I left,” Albarus said.
“He wished me all the best in joining a club he had been at previously. He said it was a brilliant club and I am excited to be joining.”
After a short break, including a trip to Barcelona, Albarus is now preparing for the next chapter of his career as he looks to make the step up from academy football to the Football League.
Albarus has made four appearances for Brighton in the EFL Trophy over the past two seasons, with three starts.
