Locadia wants to prove his worth to Brighton after difficult time
Locadia has started Albion's last three league games, scoring in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Boxing Day - his first goal for ten months - and again in the 1-0 victory over Everton on Saturday.
He had previously started just two matches all season and in an interview with Dutch media in November, Locadia had spoken about his frustration at a lack of playing time and had been linked with a move away.
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Hide AdBut he is now aiming to become a regular starter for Albion and on reports suggesting he could move back to Holland, Locadia said: "I never want to go on loan or be sold in January. That’s not my intention.
"But I made it clear I want to play games and I talked with the gaffer also. I think my place is here in Brighton. I know I have had a difficult time not playing games but I think I have shown the last two games I am worth to be here.
"I want to play every game. I told the gaffer also, I came here to play matches, to be on the bench is not my thing. But I kept training hard every day and I think there is a way to reward itself."
Asked if he has proved a point with his goals in the draw with Arsenal and the win against Everton, Locadia said: "I think not yet. I think I can do better, but I think the last two games are a good way to show the quality of what I have got. It’s up to me to show every game and again and again."
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Hide AdLooking ahead and to the new year, Locadia has set his targets on keeping his place in the team: "Like always to play more games, give assists and score goals. If I play I have a target but if I don’t play it’s difficult to give a target. It’s not smart to put pressure on yourself if you don’t play. You seek the balance."
Locadia also reflected on a 'crazy' week after scoring against both Arsenal and Everton: "It has been crazy. From not playing every game and starting in the last two games and scoring two goals, so I am very happy and proud of the team also. And I want to thank everybody for reaching this moment."
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