Jakub Moder has explained why it was so important for him to spend an extra half-season with his beloved club back home in Poland.

But he hopes that time on loan at Lech Poznan will be of massive benefit on and off the field as he tackles life with Albion.

Moder has moved out of his comfort zone in more ways than one.

Away from his homeland and away from areas to which he is more accustomed in the middle of the pitch.

But he has impressed so far with his club and says his best is soon to come.

Throw in a goal for his country against England at Wembley, which attracted a few comments back at Albion, and it has been a busy chapter of a season he will never forget.

The now 22-year-old grew up as a Lech fan so dreams came true when he joined them at 15 and eventually made his way into the first team.

That helps explain why it was so special for him to help them in Europe this season after signing for the Seagulls at the end of the summer and autumn window and then going straight back on loan.

He told The Argus: “Playing for Lech was my dream.

“When I was young, I went to the games and I was a big fan.

“I watched every game from the stands so that was a big dream for me, to represent Lech and Poland in Europe.

“That’s why I said it was very important to help the team in Europe and stay half a year more in Poland.

“That was my dream and now I take a step to another dream, playing in the Premier League.”

Moder was busy with domestic league, European competition and establishing himself in the national team, where he has impressed new boss Paulo Sousa.

But he also put his loan period to good use in readiness for his move to England.

He said: “I’m a very big Premier League fan so I had already watched (Albion) games before I signed.

“Of course when I signed I started to take more interest in the players, about the club.

“I was in touch with people from the club - directors, coaches.

“After I signed I watched every game.

“That was a good time for to sign and I came here after six months.

“It was important for me to stay in Poland because we had our job to do.

“We had Europa League so it was very important for me to get my time in Poland and also to know more about Brighton.

“It was a good decision.”

Moder displayed an excellent level of English as he spoke to the media.

He said: “I started English lessons when I signed.

“I had English at school but I think my level is a lot better than six months ago - but I’m still learning.”

A further period of adaptation and education was needed on arrival in Sussex.

It is not too long ago that Graham Potter opted not to send him into a potentially tight finale against Blackpool in the FA Cup.

Less than three months later, he was starting at Old Trafford in the Premier League.

He said: “I needed some time to adapt to the new league, new intensity and the training.

“I think it’s my time now. I think I played well against Newcastle and Southampton but I think I can show more in the pitch.

“I think my best will come soon”.

Moder is known for his work in central areas but his athleticism has been used out wide by Potter.

Not always so wide. Against Newcastle, he operated inside Danny Welbeck from an attacking viewpoint and caused problems.

The role was helped by Toon’s lack of attacking threat out wide.

Manchester United offered a different challenge.

But Moder was among the first to settle on the ball and show some confidence as Albion grew into the game following United’s early pressure.

Asked about the role he has played, he said: “The biggest challenge is that it’s a new position.

“It’s sometimes left-back, sometimes on the wing.

“It’s new for me. I always played in the middle of the pitch.

“I think I did it well and I can improve.

ALBION HOME FORM NOT GOOD ENOUGH SAYS POTTER

“Of course I can improve my defence, maybe one versus one in defence.

“The quality of the players in the Premier League is top.

“I could have scored against Newcastle. Against United I had a chance.

“But I think the goals will come.”

Lech are a major club in Poland and have a fanatical support.

They have been massive part of Moder’s life so there was obviously some sentiment involved in his departure.

He said: “It was quite emotional because I played there for I think six years.

“That was difficult to leave the club.

“I think I know everyone at the club but it’s normal I take another step in my career.

“I hope maybe one day I go back there.”