Once Shane Duffy joined Lewis Dunk at the heart of Albion's defence, it became difficult for Uwe Huenemeier and Connor Goldson to dislodge them.

Huenemeier made just 12 league appearances across the past two seasons before rejoining Paderborn in Germany.

It was the same scenario for Connor Goldson, eight games over that period prompting his move to Glasgow Rangers.

Now Leon Balogun, following the path trodden by Huenemeier from the Bundesliga, is cast in the role of support act via Mainz and the World Cup with Nigeria.

It is a challenge the 30-year-old is ready for and not about to shirk.

Balogun said: "I just put in my best and that's all I can do. Then you hope it is enough.

"Of course, I can't come here and say I played in the World Cup and now I'm going to play from the start. I have to earn it and that's what I'm trying to do.

"At the same time it's always good to have competition. It will make those two (Dunk and Duffy) better as well, then we just have to take it from there, respect the decision from the gaffer, but you have to be ready at all times.

"I played with Dunky for the first time and he's very composed with the ball. I haven't seen Duffy play that much, but both are very strong physically. You can tell they have played in the UK for a long time.

"I don't think, with the qualities that I have, that I have to hide. I am just going to give it my all and then it is the decision of the gaffer."

Balogun (below) is well prepared after facing eventual runners-up Croatia, Iceland and Lionel Messi's Argentina in Russia.

The Argus: His joy at playing in the World Cup, after missing out on the finals in Brazil four years earlier through injury, was tempered by Nigeria's unfortunate exit from their group.

A late winner by Manchester United's Marcos Rojo for Argentina denied the Super Eagles a place in the knockout stages after losing to Croatia and beating Iceland.

"To be on that stage and play against the best in my opinion, Lionel Messi, was certainly something," said Balogun. "It was a great challenge. I was hoping to get a bit further to play France in the round of 16."

Balogun expects the test to be even bigger with Albion in the Premier League.

He told The Argus: "I think there's going to a lot more on the same level as I faced at the World Cup.

"The qualities of the offensive players in the Premier League is amazingly high and it's going to be an exciting challenge.

"I have some experience already. I still have to settle in, get used to the system that we play. Maybe the gaffer wants me to play different to when I was playing at Mainz.

"At this level you have got to have a certain level of understanding, because there's not much time to fit in. I joined the group three weeks later, that's just part of my job."

The Argus: Balogun (above) played 14 times in the Bundesliga last season for Mainz, who finished 14th out of 18.

The Premier League will be tougher. "It's a lot more physical. Sometimes it's quicker, " he said. "I think the individual quality of the players, you have more, especially offensively whether it's the wingers or strikers. They are strong, skilful, pacey.

"I think that's going to be the biggest difference, but I'm excited to face them if I get the chance."

Balogun will want to avoid long-term injury, an ill-timed fate suffered by Huenemeier (below) in the months before Duffy arrived from Blackburn Rovers.

The Argus: He has witchcraft on his side. Speaking to The Players' Tribune in the build-up to the World Cup, Balogun recalled a visit to a witch arranged by his sister when he was a teenager in Germany and plagued by injuries.

The middle-aged Russian woman impressed a sceptical Balogun by correctly identifying without prior knowledge shoulder damage.

"Then — and I'll never forget this — she really blew me away," he said.

"Four or five years ago, you lost a person very close to you, but someone who you didn't completely know, either.

"She went on about how all people have someone like this in their lives, whether they know them or not. Someone who, no matter the strength of your connection, you will feel connected to — your soulmate in a way.

"I was amazed. I hadn't thought about my grandma that much since she passed when I was 16 years old. But, this lady was right. My grandma’s death had a huge effect on me, and I had never even met my grandma, who lived in Nigeria."

Balogun does not need a witch to convince him he has made the right move in joining Albion, even with Dunk and Duffy blocking his path.

"I've laughed a lot with the lads already," he said. "At the weekend I walked through the lanes, which I enjoyed very much. It's multi-cultural, there are a lot of creative people. I like the scene in Brighton and I think this could be a wonderful time for me."