Lamptey: Alzate has been my tour guide!

New Albion defender Tariq Lamptey says that Steven Alzate has been a big help in ensuring the former Chelsea man settles into his new surroundings on the south coast.

Alex Stedman

2020-02-19T07:45:00Z

Tariq Lamptey and Steven Alzate ahead of the game with Watford at the Amex.

The England under-20 international revealed that he and his Colombian teammate have a lot in common off the field, as they both hail from similar areas of north London in Hillingdon and Camden.

He said, “Steven [Alzate] and myself are a similar sort of age and both come from the same area of London too, so I’ve struck up a good friendship with him.

“I didn’t know that before I joined the club but obviously it’s been nice for me, as I’ve got to know him. He’s a great guy and has sort of been my tour guide around the city!

“He’s taken me around the training ground and become a really good friend. The boys have been telling me that Hove is a great area and I’ve found somewhere there to live now too which will help me off the field.

“Overall, it’s been really good, and I feel very settled. The lads have been great and the coaching staff have been amazing too – everyone around the building has made me feel welcome - I couldn’t have asked for anything better.”

Tariq Lamptey on media duty during his first day at the club.

Lamptey also spoke about the intensity of training during his time with Albion so far and has been impressed with what he’s seen from Graham Potter’s men both on and off the field.

He added, “The level has been really high. When I came here, I was prepared to work hard, and the boys have been excellent out on the training field.

“They’ve taken every word that the coaching staff have given to them and acted on it, and that’s good for me because I have to be at my best every day to fit into that and make a positive impression.

“I think we can count ourselves a little bit unlucky in both matches I’ve seen – we could have gone on and won both, but we’re going in the right direction for sure.”