Veltman: It's a lot of fun to play for Albion

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Defender believes Albion can still improve after record start.

Charlie Hanson

2021-12-04T05:00:00Z

Joel Veltman has started Albion's last two Premier League games.`

Joel Veltman is thoroughly enjoying playing for Albion but says there’s still room for improvement.

Albion have had their best start to a Premier League campaign with 19 points from 14 games ahead of today’s visit to Southampton.

“It is great to play for this team at the moment – especially with how we play. We love to press, but we have to suffer as well because sometimes you have to defend, especially against good teams. But when you win the ball back it's a great feeling. I think that is the kind of good environment the gaffer has created.

“If you told me before the season that we will be ninth with 14 games played we would have taken it. But that's why I love Brighton, we want to go to a higher level – to reach out for maybe the top five because it's reachable points-wise. That's what I like about this place.”

While Albion’s good start has been exciting, the squad are keeping their feet firmly on the ground.

“The next challenge you’ve got to face is always the next game, so you have to focus on that. You can’t think ‘oh in two weeks we play Liverpool away.’ No, our next game is Southampton away and we know how difficult it is going to be.”

The Dutch defender has made 46 appearances for Albion.

The 29-year-old has made 11 appearances this campaign, but says Graham Potter’s team selections keeps everyone on their toes.

“Sometimes you don’t know 100% if you're playing, so you can’t think ‘I'm not playing - I can take it easy now’ or take your place for granted. There is so much competition for places in the squad.”