After missing just three league matches for Rusk’s promotion-winning side that reached the Premier League 2 play-off final in 2017/18, Alzate enjoyed a season in League Two with Swindon Town.
Since returning from the County Ground, Alzate has worked his way into Graham Potter’s plans, following months of training with the first-team squad, and Rusk admitted his delight for the midfielder.
He said, “Graham highlighted that Steven did well during pre-season. I’ve always been a huge fan of Steven, I think he’s got a really nice temperament in how he plays the game.
“He handles the ball nicely and he’s got a good level of aggression. For me, I’m not massively surprised [by his progression].
“I’ve got a great deal of faith in him as a footballer, and as a person as well, so I’m absolutely delighted that he went in and had a solid pre-season around the first-team group.”
Alzate made his senior debut for Albion in last month’s Carabao Cup win at Bristol Rovers, playing at wing-back against the League One side, and Rusk highlighted the various qualities he has to offer.
“He’s versatile — his attributes lend him to two or three different positions on the pitch, but holistically, I think that one will sort itself out with time.
“He’s an intelligent footballer. When you can handle the ball, with a good football brain and being a decent athlete, you can probably play in a number of different roles on the pitch.”
Rusk also believes the lessons Alzate learned during his time at Swindon last season will hold him in good stead for the future, following three goals and 26 appearances for the Robins.
“It gives you a different outlook [playing in League Two]. It’s a bit of physicality and I’m sure he had to deal with moments of adversity. There were moments where he was left out of the team at Swindon.
“You have to be a strong, resilient character as a footballer, so he would have gained that from being left out.
“Again, it’s a different environment for him. He clearly went in and coped well — he’s taken advantage of having that, brought it back and used it in our environment.”