In his first five weeks as Albion's record signing he has played only 23 minutes in the Premier League, none at all at the Amex - but Jose Izquierdo is not complaining.

The happy-go-lucky Colombian is feeling his way into a new club, new style of football, new country, new way of life, always with a smile on his face.

That is his philosophy. He is serious about his career and the opportunity he has with the Seagulls, but he is determined to enjoy it.

"It's my personality," Izquierdo said. "I like to be loud. I try to always be happy. Playing football is the most beuatiful thing I can do in my life.

"A lot of kids dream to be a football player, so I like to be funny, make jokes.

"It can look strange. People think 'This is a joker, not really a football player' but it's my way.

"It's different when I am on the pitch. I am a serious player but I like to enjoy it. When you enjoy you play better.

"I know I have to follow the rules of the team. I like to win, to work hard, but also I like to enjoy it, because it's football, it's a game."

There seems little chance of a £13.5 million price tag, or the limited game time so far, weighing Izquierdo down.

Dutch £10 million midfielder Davy Propper, Izquierdo's record buy predecessor, was thrown straight into the deep end on the opening day against Manchester City (below).

The Argus: The approach by Chris Hughton with Izquierdo has been more softly, softly, with good reasons.

His move from FC Brugge in Belgium was a pre-season distraction and competition on the flanks is fierce. Izquierdo, regarded by Hughton more as a left-winger than a versatile attacking option, has to dislodge Solly March or Anthony Knockaert.

He said: "It's like this. I am a new player. They have been in the squad for two or three years, they know everything, they got promoted with them, they are in the position and playing very well. The opportunity will come.

"In pre-season I didn't play a lot of games, because work was going on with the transfer and I didn't want to get injured. I am trying to get fit as fast as possible."

How is Izquierdo adjusting in training? The response is revealing. "Hard, hard," he said. "For me it's powerful and the intensity is higher than in Belgium, because this is a top league.

"In the tactical movements as well, the ball moves faster. It's good. I feel really happy to be here and to have this opportunity with top players in a top league. You learn more."

The Argus: Izquierdo made his debut as a nine-minute substitute in the draw against Watford's ten men. The cameo included a shot from long range, which didn't miss by much, and a tracking-back tackle (above).

At Bournemouth, he was on for five minutes longer with no opportunity to make an impact. His first start, in the extra-time exit from the Carabao Cup against the same opponents, spanned 104 minutes of declining influence, a bright and bold first half followed mainly by defending for Albion's second X1.

"It's difficult," Izquierdo said. "For example, at Watford I had a few minutes. I had one opportunity to score, which was close. Against Bournemouth I had two opportunities.

"For most of the game I was helping defend, so it wasn't a game where I could show all my abilities.

"Normally in our position you need to sometimes help the defence. That was something I learnt in Belgium, because when I came from Colombia I didn't have that way to play.

"I work every day to have the opportunity. I know it will come. I'm training to be always ready for anything that can happen."

The next glamorous assignment is Arsenal away on Sunday. What does the paceman from Pereira think when he hears that name?

"Oh it's amazing," he said. "When I hear that we are playing against Arsenal, Manchester City or Newcastle, when you hear those teams you feel something, you are in the top league with top players.

"This is a big motivation to keep working and have the opportunity to show your abilities."

Away from the pitch and the cameras, Izquierdo, already popular with his team-mates, soon found a South American chaperone.

"I've stayed very quiet," he said. "I haven't got a a flat so I am in a hotel. Every day is hotel, training, hotel, so I haven't had a lot of time to go to Brighton.

"The beach and the shops are close to the hotel and the restauarant, Latino America (Hove). A good friend there, the Argentinian boss, was very good in the beginning, gave me a hand to know the city.

"Of course, my friends and family (in Colombia) are always watching the Premier League."

They will be watching a lot more of him eventually.