Graham Potter has praised the football intelligence of Dale Stephens as Albion try to plot a home win.

The head coach reckons Stephens might just have been his team’s best player so far this season.

He will hope the midfielder’s tactical nous helps outwit Everton at the Amex today (3pm).

Potter told The Argus: “Dale has been one of the best players, if not THE best, for us so far.

“His level is really impressive and, if I’m looking at last year compared to this season, then there’s some difference in terms of what he brings to the team.

“He brings a really good tactical understanding and he’s an intelligent footballer.

“He understands what we’re trying to do.

“He gives his best all the time and he really wants to win and he’s been a pleasure to work with.”

Stephens has been at the heart of a footballing evolution which has brought Albion plenty of praise, if not the desired points, so far.

Potter said: “I’ve always had conversations with Dale and I like him a lot.

“He’s started from the bottom and worked his way up to the Premier League.

“He’s a no-nonsense character who’s very intelligent on the football pitch.

“He understands concepts and what we’re trying to do and he’s prepared to take new things and learn and adapt.

“The structure of the side has helped him this term and his role within the team means he has more of the ball.

“He has to make more decisions and be good positionally, and he’s both of those things.

“The style change is one that he’s had to adapt to, but he’s taken to the new ideas really well with an open mind.

“I really like his intelligence - often that gets overlooked in a physical footballing country like ourselves, but he’s certainly got that as one of his strengths.”