Valentin Barco was sent on down the left flank to help Albion chase a late equaliser at Liverpool.

The teenager from Argentina was given his first Premier League minutes and had the task of trying to create a chance for his side to stun Anfield.

But head coach Roberto De Zerbi said that decision was no slight on Ansu Fati, who remained on the bench.

And he has spoken about how the man on loan from Barcelona can have a big end to the season if he can handle expectation.

Barco went on for a fellow left-back in Pervis Estupinan.

But the boy from Boca was not unleashed to defend. It was to attack.

Asked about the change he made, De Zerbi said: “The substitution was Pervis Estupinan and also Barco has to play, has to show me, show us, his qualities.

“I thought also five minutes was important for him.

“I didn’t think something bad of Ansu Fati.

“I prefer in that situation, that moment, we were playing with Welbeck and Ferguson in the goal area and I need the crosses.”

While it feels like Ansu has been quiet, he ranks fourth in the Prem for shots per 90 minutes on a list headed by Darwin Nunez.

De Zerbi said: “Ansu is a sensitive guy, a good player.

“His expectations are always high.

“I know the first part of his career was very tough but for the great players the more important thing is to adapt to the expectations.

“He has to give something more, but we are helping him.

“We’re happy to help him because he’s a good guy.”