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Potter: Maupay getting stronger and stronger

Neal Maupay fired his second goal of the campaign in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Burnley, and Albion head coach Graham Potter believes the forward, who signed from Brentford this summer, will continue to improve throughout the season.

By Kieran Cleeves • 16 September 2019

By Paul Hazlewood
Graham Potter

It was the striker’s third Premier League start in succession, and Potter backed the Frenchman to continue providing moments of quality, as his match fitness continues to develop following a summer without action.

He said, “He struggled a bit towards the start of the game, but that was probably down to the team performance.

“He kept going and that’s what he’s about. He links up well and runs in behind. His finish was a good goal and he’s a good character.

“He’ll improve the more he plays. People forget that he didn’t play any games in pre-season, so he’s playing catch up to a certain extent.

“It was a full match of minutes and he’ll only get stronger and stronger.”

By Paul Hazlewood
Pure elation from Neal Maupay after his goal at the Amex

Solly March claimed his first assist of the season for Maupay’s goal at the Amex, and Potter commented on the 25-year-old’s versatility, after the head coach manoeuvred his team around for Burnley's visit.

“He’s got talent, he’s a good player and has quality,” he continued. “He just needs to play with a bit of freedom.

“When he has too much time to think, I’m not sure it’s the best thing for him, and we’ve spoken about that.

“If you look at the last few games, he’s played left-wing-back, right-wing-back and pretty much as an extra midfield player as a ten.

By Paul Hazlewood
Solly March challenges Ashley Westwood for the ball.

“That tells you that we think he’s a good football player and can play in a lot of positions.

“The key thing for him is that he needs to contribute to the final third more than he has, because he’s got the quality to do that.

“It was nice for him to do that against Burnley — it was his ball for Neal’s goal — but there’s more to come from Solly.”

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Potter's Burnley verdict

The Seagulls travel to St James’ Park next weekend in search of their second victory of the season, and Potter backed his team to rise to the challenges of Premier League football.

“Apart from Manchester City away, which is a tricky game, on other days we could have won the other games.

“That’s the Premier League and that’s the challenge. We have to not feel sorry for ourselves and move forward.

“We need to take the good things from the performance, and move on to Newcastle, which is the next test and challenge for us.”