Joao Pedro has been hailed as “top talent” and told he can still improve, writes Ryan Adsett.

The Brazilian forward is the Europa League’s joint top scorer and received his first Brazilian international call-up on Monday.

Speaking at the Johan Cruyff Arena, Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi said: “Joao Pedro and Ansu Fati are top talents.

“They have to play more - and better.”

The £30 million ex-Watford forward has made sporadic appearances in the Premier League for Albion, despite his impressive performances in the Europa League.

He scored in the reverse fixture against Ajax, in a 2-0 victory at the Amex – as did Ansu.

De Zerbi said: “When we speak about Joao Pedro, we speak about Ansu Fati in the same way.

“They have a big, big talent.

“But they have to play better, they have to push even more, because they are playing in Brighton.”

Ansu and Joao Pedro have been De Zerbi’s go-to pick for partners up front.

Despite Evan Ferguson’s goal return, the Albion boss tends to stick with the duo in the Europa League.

It has become evidently clear that the partnership is forming slowly, and with time will become fruitful for the squad.