Joel Veltman has hailed Ivan Toney as the Premier League striker who most impressed him last season.

But he is confident Albion can continue to progress under their new boss if they, literally, stay together.

The Seagulls chase a first win under Roberto De Zerbi as they visit Brentford tomorrow (8pm).

Veltman and his fellow defenders will be up against Bees star man Toney.

The Holland international said: “He made the England squad and I think he deserves it.

“I think he is the toughest opponent from last year that I played against.

“He is strong, tall, good on the ball.

“Normally tall strikers don’t have the proper technique but he does.

“I love to play against him.

“But it’s the Premier League – Kane, Haaland. The strikers are always good.”

Veltman expects Albion to be a tight unit at the Gtech Community Stadium as De Zerbi’s gameplan continues to kick in.

He added: “With the new gaffer, he wants us to pass it quite short, all the players close to each other.

“Then you have the triangles and more combination possibilities with the midfield.

“I think we have done it well most of the time.”