Yves Bissouma has revealed Graham Potter is like a second father figure as makes progress in the Premier League.

The Albion midfielder from Mali says his parents watch every game and are frequently in touch.

But he has also highlighted the part head coach Potter has played in giving him the reins to the midfield.

Bissouma said: “He helped me so many times - always. He gave me the confidence - always.

“Sometimes when I’m at home he messaged me. He is like my dad!”

Bissouma is in his third season with the Seagulls having emerged from the Jean-Marc Guillou academy in Bamako and then progressed at Lille.

He said: “Sometimes when at home I’m just thinking about six years ago, seven years ago.

“I was in Mali, I was playing in the academy.

REMEMBER THIS? How Bissouma emerged from academy in Mali.

“Now I’m playing in Brighton in the Premier League.

“I know I can do more but I just say ‘Thank you God, I do my job, I do my dream’.”