New signing Inessa Kaagman has revealed that fellow Netherlands teammate Danique Kerkdijk played a massive part in her joining Albion.
Having played at under-14s level together the pair worked their way up the ranks together, eventually joining up with the senior squad.
The 24-year-old said, “I spoke to Danique because she is already here and she knows everything is going. It just sounded really positive.
“I hope Danique is really excited to have me here! She sold it to me, we get along really well and being able to speak to her about the move was really helpful for me, it helped my decision.
“We’ve played in every youth team for Holland and now we’re in the senior squad together, so we’ve known each other for a long time.”
The former Everton midfielder said working with head coach Hope Powell was another factor in her decision to sign for the Seagulls.
She added, “I had a conversation with Hope and straight away I got a good feeling about it. She knew how I was playing, even though she wasn’t my coach. She knew what I was good at, and also the things that I can improve and she said she can help with that.
“I am a player that always wants to improve, so I was really pleased to hear that.”
The midfielder wanted to continue her career in England after departing the Toffees, as she regards the Women’s Super League as one of the best in Europe.
“I am a technical player, an attacking midfielder who gets assists for the strikers. Of course I want to score goals as well, that’s what I need to improve on,” she said.
“I enjoy playing in the Super League and I always want to play against the best players. I think this is the league in which I can do that. I have really enjoyed my time in England so far.
“I’m excited to start. I have a really good feeling about the team, the city and coaching staff.”