ALBION fans were able to watch Tariq Lamptey in person for the first time at the Amex on Saturday and were not left disappointed.

The right-back joined the club from Chelsea in January 2020, but due to injuries and the Covid-19 lockdown, meaning football was played behind closed doors has meant fans have been unable to see the promising defender live.

Lamptey made his bow in front of the home crowd as a second-half substitute during Albion's 4-1 home defeat to Premier League champions Manchester City.

The defender made a really positive impact as the Seagulls battled to try and recover from the three-goal deficit created in the first half.

A first-half brace from Phil Foden and a goal from Ilkay Gundogan had put the Citizens in a commanding position, but Graham Potter's men did redeem some pride as they put in a strong second-half showing.

Albion did pull one goal back from the spot, as Alexis Mac Allister fired past Ederson, however, a late Riyad Mahrez goal put the game beyond all doubt.

One of the bright sparks of the match was Lamptey's performance, particularly one moment he had against the most expensive English football of all time, Jack Grealish.

Despite heavy pressure from the former Aston Villa captain, the 21-year-old picked up the ball on the right-wing and managed to evade Grealish and Joao Cancelo with some brilliant skill.

Fans loved the bit of skill in the stadium as it earned a lot of applause from the crowd. Some were also quick to praise the defender on social media.

One fan said: "Start him in every game. A brilliant footballer with insane pace. Welcome back Tariq Lamptey."

Another Albion fan said: "As I like to call him magic Lamptey."

One Albion said: "Lamptey has star quality."

The defender is still building up his match fitness after a ten-month injury layoff and has only made three appearances since his return to the squad, but if he continues to put in performances of that quality.