The 2023/24 season has been a history-making campaign for Brighton. Their first foray into Europe - and their first time reaching the knockout rounds - as well as continuing to compete in the Premier League.
But the Seagulls also top the table in more obscure terms. They have already made 70 changes to their Premier League starting XIs this year - 26 more than the next highest team, Nottingham Forest - as they adapt to the 'three games a week' schedule that comes with Europa League football.
To add some more context, Brighton only made 79 starting XI changes in the entirety of last season, as well as using the most Premier League substitutes this campaign too (81).
It has not always been an approach welcomed by Seagulls fans, but De Zerbi explained why he has used such heavy rotation and, in his view, why it is working.
"I don't love changing too many players every game, but I must do it," he said ahead of Thursday's game with Crystal Palace, live on Sky Sports.
"I can't do something different, or there is a risk to lose other players. Now we have 15 players who are able to play and I think we are doing a good job because we reach the top of the table in the Europa League in a very tough group.
"We are in a good position in the table in the Premier League, especially if you think we lost six points at home playing very well, but conceding stupid goals and not scoring the right goals. But I think we are doing something important."
One position that has seen 11 changes already this season is between goalkeepers Jason Steele and Bart Verbruggen.
Neither have started more than two Premier League games in a row this term, but are the two best goalkeepers in the league for passing accuracy, highlighting their importance to De Zerbi's
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