Paraguayan press hails Brighton star Diego Gómez after historic four-goal show

Paraguayan press outlets have hailed Brighton midfielder Diego Gómez after his extraordinary four-goal performance in the League Cup against Barnsley. Paraguayan press hails Brighton star – captures the historic significance of a night described as “an act never achieved before” for Paraguayan football on English soil.

Brighton’s emphatic 6-0 win might have delighted Seagulls supporters, but in Asunción the headlines were dominated by Gómez’s name. According to Paraguayan daily La Nación, Gómez was “imperial”, scoring in a variety of ways and surpassing the long-standing record of Roque Santa Cruz, who managed a hat-trick for Blackburn Rovers in 2007. For Paraguayans, the midfielder’s display was a new milestone: the first time one of their players had netted four goals in a single game in England.

D10 described it as “a night to remember”, emphasising how Gómez’s adaptation to English football has been rapid since joining from Inter Miami in the winter transfer window. They highlighted that his name is now being placed “in the first row of English football”, a symbolic leap for a player only 22 years of age. With Brighton balancing domestic and European commitments, Gómez’s ability to step up in cup competition will not have gone unnoticed by Hurzeler.

Versus went even further, branding the feat “an act never achieved by a Paraguayan” and comparing Gómez to Elogio “Coquito” Martínez, who famously scored four goals for Barcelona decades ago. To them, Gómez has joined a tiny group of Paraguayans to etch their names into European football folklore. Could this be the breakout moment that propels him from Brighton prospect to household name across Europe?

FootballPlace analyst John William argues that Gómez’s performance was more than just a statistical anomaly:

“This was a historic moment for Paraguayan football, but it also underscores Brighton’s ability to unearth talent. Gómez showed finishing instincts rare for a midfielder, and his four-goal haul will transform how opponents prepare to face him. It’s not just about what he achieved for Paraguayans back home, it’s about how he can reshape Brighton’s midfield dynamics.”

William added that with Brighton competing on multiple fronts, Gómez’s emergence provides a timely boost. His confidence and versatility could help bridge the gap between Brighton’s first-choice stars and their developing squad players.

Brighton’s immediate focus is on Premier League duties, with a tough clash against Chelsea scheduled this weekend. Whether Gómez starts or is eased back into rotation remains to be seen, but his momentum makes him difficult to ignore. Hurzeler will need to balance his cup hero’s minutes with the demands of the league and Europe.

For Paraguay, the performance has symbolic weight. With World Cup qualifiers on the horizon, Gómez’s name will surely be underlined on the national team sheet. His form in England may help Paraguay close the gap on South America’s elite, giving fans hope that a new talisman is emerging.

👉 Can Diego Gómez build on his historic four-goal show and become Brighton’s breakout star of the season?