In terms of numbers, Albion had five wingers in their squad when they kicked off in the Premier League, four in the second half of the season.

In reality now, they have three.

It is unlikely that Jiri Skalak will occupy one of the 25 places next time around.

Skalak survived the January amendments, as Leo Ulloa and Jurgen Locadia replaced Glasgow Rangers-bound Jamie Murphy and the injured Steve Sidwell.

The Czech wide man, nevertheless, ended the campaign without making a contributon to Albion's survival.

In fact you have to go back more than a year, to the first half of Albion's failed attempt to clinch the Championship title against Bristol City, for the last time Skalak appeared in the league for the Seagulls.

Skalak's probable departure, after Murphy's move north of the border, will still leave Chris Hughton with a healthy trio of wide threats.

It is an area of the squad which may be embellished later rather than sooner in the summer transfer window, once more pressing priorities at the back and in midfield have been resolved.

Jose Izquierdo (below), Anthony Knockaert and Solly March provide Hughton with a decent hand in positions important to the way he sets up the side.

The Argus: Hughton demands that his wingers are not just a threat and supply line going forward. They must also recognise their defensive duties out of possession, helping out the full-backs against high-quality opponents.

It has been a learning curve for Izquierdo after the Colombian's £13.5 million move from Brugge in Belgium once the season was already underway.

He adapted well to the defensive expectations and forged an understanding with Gaetan Bong behind him.

Five goals and three assists in 23 starts and nine substitute appearances represents an encouraging return.

Izquierdo's ability to run with the ball at pace worries and stretches defenders. Four of his five goals helped Albion to two wins (against West Ham) and two draws (against Stoke).

His goal of the season strike against the Hammers at the Amex and the team goal of the season he finished off at Stoke illustrated the dash of South American flair which excites supporters.

Izquierdo's tendency to cut inside onto the right-foot responsible for all his goals can make him a little predictable and he needs to increase the modest 23 crosses he provided.

Hughton must be torn between hoping Colombia do well in the World Cup finals in Russia if Izquierdo makes the final cut - but not too well.

Four years ago in Brazil they reached the quarter-finals. A repeat would keep Izquierdo on the go until early July, when Albion launch their pre-season preparations in Switzerland and five weeks before the Premier League campaign begins.

He would not be the first player to come back to his club jaded by a tournament for his country.

The Argus: It was always going to be tough for Knockaert (above) to emulate his Championship exploits against better, cuter opponents.

Playing catch-up after sustaining ankle damage ten minutes into the opening pre-season friendly did not help.

As it transpired, he contributed two goals and two assists fewer than Izquierdo from four more starts, although his crossing stat (138) was much higher.

At his best, which tends to be predominantly at the Amex, Knockaert remains an effervescent driving force.

At his worst, like the reckless red card at Everton and strop after being substituted against Arsenal, his emotions are a hinderance.

With a proper Premier League season under his belt - Knockaert did not feature after January at Leicester - and a full pre-season, the Frenchman has the capacity to kick on.

The Argus: March (above), a confidence player, seems to suffer from the realisation he is third in line, the left or right alternative. He made as many substitute appearances (18) as starts and did not add to the early encouragement of nodding Albion ahead at Bournemouth.

There is more in his locker than he showed. He has the ability to make a more meaningful impact.