A year ago, the 21-year-old was recovering from a stress fracture in his back, which he suffered during a loan spell with League Two Swindon Town, ruling him out for the rest of the season.
Fast forward 12 months and Alzate is now a regular in Albion’s Premier League team, having made his debut in September, and has played two internationals for Colombia.
He said, “I do sometimes struggle to believe the position I’m in especially after last season when I picked up the injury for Swindon.
“I’m a little bit surprised at the amount of game time I’ve had but it’s good that the manager has faith in me and it has given me an extra boost of confidence.”
What has impressed head coach Graham Potter, his staff and Albion fans is how easily he has taken to playing against some of the world’s best players in front of packed houses at places like Old Trafford, the Emirates and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
“After a few games you start getting a bit more confident. Obviously, there are still nerves before a match but the more you play you get used to it.
“Before the game you know you are going to come up against world-class players but once the whistle goes you have just got to treat it as a normal match and the opponents as normal players, you can’t think of them as superstars. I don’t get worried by this. I just concentrate on the game itself.
“There have been quite a few big stadiums I have played at, but my favourite would have to be the Emirates because Arsenal was the team I supported as a child – and we won, that was one of the best nights of my career.”
Alzate’s versatility is another factor in him making 17 Premier League appearances so far, including 12 starts. He has played in his preferred position in midfield but has also slotted in at right-back recently. He has also adapted quickly to the physicality of top-flight football.
“I’m a midfielder, but the manager knows I can play in a lot of positions. As long as I am playing, I will play anywhere but in the long run I’d like to be in as a midfielder. But I don’t mind going even at left back - I will always do a shift for the team.
"It’s a very physical league, probably more than I expected. But the loan helped me to get ready. It was League 2 but it’s men’s football and quite physical as well."
It has been some 12 months for Alzate, so does he now feel disappointed when he isn’t playing despite his relative lack of experience?
“The coaches have to manage me, it’s my first season in the Premier League and I can’t be expected to play in every game.
“I would like to be involved in as many as possible, but I know there are some games when I might not start or come off the bench. You have to be mentally prepared for that. The best thing I can do is train hard every day and give myself the best possible chance of playing in the team.”
Helping Albion climb the table is his priority, but Alzate hopes to be included in the Colombia squad in March when they start their World Cup qualifying campaign with two games in five days at home to Venezuela and away to Chile.
“Being part of the two games in November was a great experience.
“Hopefully there is more to come but I’m just concentrating on the next few league games and hopefully contributing to a few wins.”