Graham Potter wants to help Robert Sanchez “reach his maximum” after an impressive 2021.

Sanchez won his first Spain cap during the year and was Albion’s undisputed No.1 between the sticks.

He opens 2022 by going up against England first choice Jordan Pickford as the Seagulls visit Everton.

Potter makes no secret of his high hopes for the man he promoted to top spot ahead of Maty Ryan, who later moved on to Real Sociedad.

The head coach said: “Robert has the potential to be anything.

“He can play in any team in the world. He’s that high level.

“His physicality is amazing, his shot-stopping is amazing, he can come for crosses, he’s good with the ball at his feet.

“He has got everything he needs to be a top goalkeeper.

“The only thing he lacks is games. He has been building those the last couple of years.

“It was a big call because Maty was an experienced Premier League goalkeeper.

“But Robert’s potential high level is incredible and we’ve got to help him reach his maximum.

“He’s not there yet but that’s just time. He’s fantastic.”

Sanchez’s skills include a distribution role as Albion look to play from the back.

Potter said: “The way we look at it is the team is responsible for defending and attacking - and the goalkeeper is key to both of those things.

“Clearly the focus is on the clean sheets and defending because he’s the last man before the goal but he also contributes with our attacking as well.

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“The second goal we scored against Liverpool at Anfield started with Rob and a fantastic pass out to Marc Cucurella, which opened up the pitch for us.

“Sometimes you need to use your goalkeeper because he’s often the spare man and can draw pressure and be used to start your attacks.”