Brighton starlet admits joining club was a 'dream come true'

The Paraguayan attacker made the move across the Atlantic from club Libertad in the summer after his signature had been chased by the club since January.

The 18-year-old has impressed since his arrival and could be involved in the first team this season.

Enciso signed a four-year deal with Albion, running until 2026 and is one of the most highly-rated prospects to come out of Paraguay in recent years.

Julio Enciso impressed during pre-season

He played for the club during pre-season and looked in good form in the friendly games.

Speaking to MyAlbionTV, Enciso said: "When the club showed an interest in me I felt so happy. It is a dream come true to be here.

"I know just how tough it has been for other players to get here. If I put a lot of hard work in, I think that I can hit the ground running here.

"Of course, it is a big step up for me. Football is very quick here. I'm working really hard to get to the same level as the others.

"This is just the beginning for me. Obviously, I am finding it a little bit tricky adapting.

"I feel like I can give a lot more. As I said, if I work hard on a daily basis, I will carry on improving."

Enciso has also said that he is happy to be working with manager Graham Potter and believes that through hard work the boss will find a spot for him in the team.

Albion boss Graham Potter has said that he will find a place for Julio Enciso if the player works hard

He said: "I spoke to him (Graham Potter) before I arrived here, and he said that he was very happy that I was joining and that he would monitor me closely.

"He said that he wanted me to do my absolute best so that he can find a place for me. Honestly, I feel very happy."

The attacker has already got off the mark for the Premier League 2 side, scoring a brilliant chip against Liverpool in the side's 1-1 draw.

He has been welcomed into the team by the players, with Enciso striking up friendships with the Spanish-speaking contingent of the squad.

The Paraguayan said: "When I arrived Cucu (Marc Cucurella) was the first person I met. He helped me a lot.

"After that it was Jeremy (Sarmiento), Alexis (Mac Allister), Florin (Andone) and Moises (Caicedo), (Steven) Alzate too.

"I felt very comfortable with them and spoke to them the most. I was so happy to meet them.

Enciso (centre) has been getting on with his teammates

"The truth is sometimes he (Sarmiento) helps me (with English) and sometimes he abandons me. I'm learning English so hopefully, in a few months, I'll start understanding it.

"It's very difficult. They speak very quickly and I don't really understand, It's very difficult for me.

"If I am honest, it's very different here. As I said, it's a very physical game. There is almost no time to think, and obviously yes you get kicked a lot. It's so different."

Despite mostly chatting with the Spanish-speaking players, Enciso has noticed the ability of plenty of the other players, such as captain Lewis Dunk, Tariq Lamptey and Danny Welbeck.

• READ MORE: Kieran Trippier gives verdict on playing against Brighton

He said: "Dunk, he is so big. He kicks you a lot. The truth is there are a lot (of good players here. I really admire (Tariq) Lamptey, he is is very quick. I can't get near him. He's too quick, impossible.

"Sometimes I just stand there and look at him and think 'how can you be that fast?' I think he is the quickest player in the squad.

"Alexis (Mac Allister) as well because he passed the ball with such ease. Jeremy (Sarmiento) for his dribbling. Moises (Caicedo) too because he's everywhere.

"I like that a lot but I really like Jeremy because of the way I play.

"Danny Welbeck too. He is so powerful. It's incredible."

Enciso has received plenty of support from Albion fans as well as encouragement from people back home in Paraguay.

Enciso has received support from Albion fans and people from Paraguay since his move to the club

"I feel so happy to have received so many messages from them (Albion fans). I want to make them happy and I'll give everything on the pitch so I can do that.

"I received a lot of messages. A lot of words of encouragement from everyone in Paraguay. I think they are all so happy that they have a player in the Premier League.

"I am so happy to have their support. I will give my all on the pitch to make them happy.

"(My family) Are here with me now, I am grateful to have them close to me. They have always accompanied me everywhere. They like it (Brighton) a lot. I have already taken them to the beach and they loved it.

"In my opinion, nothing compares to having your family close to you."