Lewis Dunk, Shane Duffy and Dan Burn have started the campaign in Graham Potter’s newly-introduced 3-4-3 formation, and Webster has no complaints after the trio’s competent start to the season.
He said, “The three centre-halves have been absolutely brilliant, so for me it’s just about working hard every day and when that opportunity comes I’ve got to take it with both hands.
“They’ve [Dunk and Duffy] had a great partnership over the last few years; I remember watching them from the stands at Ipswich. Obviously Burny has come in now and done really well too.
“There’s great competition there. They’ve obviously started the season really well, it’s about learning as much as I can from them as they’re experienced players.”
In the light of Harry Maguire’s record-breaking transfer to Manchester United this summer, and Webster’s switch from the Sky Bet Championship to the Premier League, the 24-year-old assessed the importance of the modern-day centre-half.
“In today’s game, defenders play a big part in how teams want to play,” he continued. “Playing out from the back is huge now.
“It’s about right that teams are spending big money on defenders and not just the top end of the pitch.
“Obviously they score the goals, but it’s just as important to get the right balance and defenders play a big part in that.”
A great deal has been said about Webster’s ability with either foot, after progressive spells at Portsmouth, Ipswich Town and Bristol City, and the defender commented on his long-term commitment to use both feet.
“I’m naturally right footed, but from a young age I always practiced with my left foot,” Webster said.
“I practiced striking the ball a lot with my left foot, so it’s always been something I’ve been strong at, probably since the age of 14, 15, 16.
“It’s definitely a bonus and you need to be able to do that, unless one of your feet is unbelievable. But I’d rather have two!”