Potter: We're in good shape going into 2022

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Head coach likes the blend of youth and experience at his disposal.

Bruce Talbot

2022-01-02T05:00:00Z

Graham Potter with Jakub Moder, who has started in each of Albion's last three games.

Graham Potter believes Albion head into 2022 in good shape because of the quality of his squad.

They kick off the new year at Everton today looking to cement their place in the top ten after picking up four points from their Christmas fixtures against Brentford and Chelsea.

The transfer window is now open, but Potter prefers to extol the virtues of the players he already has.

Graham Potter believes young players such as Robert Sanchez will only improve.

“I’m happy with our team and group,” he said. “It’s been building over the [recent transfer] windows. It’s about bringing the guys in and it’s also about working with the ones that are here as well, developing and helping them.

“We’ve got young players that I think will get better and better - the likes of Robert Sanchez, Tariq Lamptey, Jakub Moder, Alexis Mac Allister and Steven Alzate. There are players there that are really at the start of their careers and that’s exciting for us.”

Potter has introduced 17-year-old striker Evan Ferguson into the matchday squad for the last three Premier League games and has been impressed with the youngster.

Evan Ferguson has been in each of Albion's last three Premier League matchday squads.

“Evan has got a big future. You can see his quality, he knows where to be in the box. He hasn’t scored the goals he has in the under-23s through accident. The coaches in the academy have done a great job with him.

“Overall, I think the squad is a good mix, with some older players in there like Danny Welbeck, Adam Lallana, Pascal Gross, Jason Steele, Lewis Dunk. They are guys that know the level, know what’s required and can help the boys at the start of their careers. Our recruitment team have done a good job.”

Asked about potential transfer activity this month, Potter added, “We’re always looking for players that can help us in the now and in the future so we’ve got to find that balance. The club have done that well so far and will continue to do that.”