Under-21s defender Noel Atom says that everything the club provides for him leaves him with no excuse other than to play his best football.
The 19-year-old German joined us from RB Leipzig in the summer and believes he is adjusting well to life in Sussex.
“It’s been a big change for me, coming to England, to Brighton,” he said. “But overall, the guys in the team and the staff have helped me.
“Football wise, I am here to make the next big step in my career and I think at this great club it can happen. I’ve got to be patient though and take it step by step.
“My time here has gone quickly so far, a lot of things have happened. I’ve had ups and downs as anyone would. But I’ve been with the first team and enjoyed my time with the under-21s.
“I can’t complain at all, I know my time will come and the club has given me everything to reach my potential.”
Noel’s opportunity to train with the first team has given him the chance to play alongside fellow German Pascal Gross and has been a really eye-opening experience.
“The guys are technically on another level in the first team,” Noel added. “They have their patterns, their first touch is unbelievable and they always know what they’re going to do next.
“When I am there they help me. Adam Lallana is the one I speak to, he’s a good guy and he helps me a lot. I can learn from them and hopefully show them my potential.
“Pascal speaks to me in German which is nice. He’s a big legend here and during his time here he has done a lot for the club. He is there for me if I ever need anything.
“In Germany, in the last two years people have seen the rise of Brighton and the way they play. Of course, Pascal stands out. He got the recognition he deserves with the Germany call-up. It was well deserved.”
The centre-back believes he is benefitting from the way Albion play and wants to show what he’s capable of in the coming months.
“The way we play has given me a better view of how many solutions you can have as a centre-back. You have to be patient on the ball, you’re playing as a libero, in Germany you would call it the Beckenbauer role.
“You look at players like Lewis Dunk who I think is top. He opens the game up from centre-back.
“Now I want to play a lot of games and try to help my team win as many as possible. I want to have good games, to impress my team and the coaches. I want to show that if there is a chance in the first team that I am ready.”
The under-21s return to Premier League 2 action on Friday when they take on Norwich City at the American Express Elite Performance Centre, kick off 7.30pm. The game will be shown live on our official YouTube channel.