Albion look set to have a bright future ahead of them with the young players they have in the first team squad.

They had four players all under the age of 22 involved in their opening Premier League defeat to Chelsea at the Amex on Monday night.

Those four players were Tariq Lamptey, Ben White, Steven Alzate and Aaron Connolly.

Despite, the result against Chelsea there were positives to take for Albion, which included the performances of three of their young talents.

Tariq Lamptey

The Argus:

Lamptey, who joined Albion from the Blues was one of the star performers in the defeat.

He caused real problems for Marcos Alonso down the Seagulls right-hand side with his pace and direct approach.

This directness paid off with him creating three chances.

The first was a great cross in from the right, which striker Neal Maupay shouldered instead of headered and it looped off target.

Lamptey then managed to drive in between Mason Mount and Alonso, before firing a powerful effort which Kurt Zouma blocked and felt the full force of afterwards.

The 19-year-old full-back was finally rewarded for his attacking play, as made the pass to Leandro Trossard, who then levelled the game for Albion with his strike from outside the box.

It was not just going forward Lamptey impressed, he also did a good job at the back.

He had the tough task of marking Chelsea’s most expensive signing of the summer Kai Havertz, on the German’s much anticipated Premier League debut.

However, Havertz struggled to get into the game with Lamptey marshalling him well, whilst he was on the pitch.

Albion head-coach Graham Potter was full of praise for Lamptey after his impressive display against Chelsea but warned he still has plenty to learn.

He said: “He was very impressive, he played like he does pretty much every day in training.

“Whenever he goes onto the football pitch, he brings a freshness, a personality, a quality.

“Tariq is a really good lad to work with because he is so humble, it is just so refreshing to see how he plays football.

“Our job is to try to help him improve because I’m sure he will say the same in the fact he has a lot to learn, as he is only young.

“But, he has also got some really good attributes that are exciting and we need to try and help him make the most of those.”

Lamptey took the decision to move to Albion in order to get regular game time with Reece James, who scored a spectacular second goal for Chelsea, and captain Cesar Azpilicueta ahead of him in the pecking order at the time.

Since moving Lamptey has established himself as a regular at right wing-back with his impressive performances, which earnt him his first call-up to the England U21’s squad this month.

Potter says Albion are just trying to make sure that decision he took to leave Chelsea pays off for Lamptey.

He said: “He took a decision to leave a place that he liked and respected a lot, but you knew the reason why he was making that decision which was probably a really tough one for him.

“Tariq has got a lot of respect for Chelsea, but then it is obviously our job to try and help him make the most of that decision.

“It is all about a balance between game time, development, training, feedback and all that sort of stuff because he is young, he has got a lot to carry on improving.

“He is a wonderful young player and we are delighted to be able to have him.”

Ben White

The Argus:

It wasn’t just Lamptey who impressed, White also made an impression on his Premier League debut.

The 22-year-old centre-half got his first taste of the Premier League as he played 79 minutes before being replaced by Pascal Gross due to injury.

White did well in the back three especially on a couple of occasions to block passes or shot to and from Chelsea striker Timo Werner.

His last involvement in the game saw him throw himself at the ball to block Werner’s goal-bound effort and in the process hurt himself.

Potter had the following to say about White after his debut.

He said: “The step up to the Premier League from the Championship is difficult, on the stretch you are playing against top players.

“With the greatest respect to the Championship it is different, but I thought he adapted well and he’ll better and better.

“It is hard for him because Ben is not adapting to a new league, he is adapting to a new team, a new playing style, but like I said he’ll improve.”

Steven Alzate

The Argus:

Steven Alzate started for Albion in the midfield with Davy Propper not being ready to risked against the Blues on Monday.

Alzate, made the mistake for Chelsea’s first goal after he received the ball with his back to goal from a goal kick.

However, he then played a blind pass to Yves Bissouma which was cut out by Jorginho, who fed the ball to Werner and he was then brought down by Ryan when trying to go round him.

Jorginho then stepped up and converted the spot kick to give Chelsea the lead.

Despite, making the mistake for the goal Alzate still got on the ball and had an effort well saved by Kepa in the first half.

His head-coach Potter was impressed by how Alzate responded to the mistake.

He said: “I thought his response was fantastic and that is important to recognize.

“Everybody makes a mistake on the football pitch, that is part of the game but how you respond is the most important thing that is what we always speak about and he responded with great personality, by carrying on taking the ball.

Aaron Connolly

The Argus:

The young Irish striker came on for Adam Lallana just before half-time after the debutant was injured.

He looked sharp and lively alongside Maupay. He did not get a sniff of a chance in the second half but like many strikers, once he scores one he could build in confidence and be on his way to having a big season for Albion.

He has already built up some good experience with a run in the side last season, finishing the season well with a goal against Burnley