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New signings are great additions, says Potter

Head coach delighted with arrival of Lallana and Veltman.

By Charlie Hanson • 22 August 2020

By Paul Hazlewood
Albion boss Graham Potter.

Graham Potter has hailed the qualities of Adam Lallana and Joel Veltman after they joined Albion ahead of the new season.

England international Lallana arrives after a six-year stint at Liverpool, signing a three-year deal with the Seagulls.

Veltman was a part of the hugely successful Ajax side that reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2018 and is a regular in the Netherlands squad. He also signed a three-year contract.

Potter said, “Adam brings fantastic experience, personality and quality. He’s looking forward to starting again with a different project.

“He was at Liverpool a while and had a lot of success, but he’s ready to start a new chapter and we’re delighted to have him because he will add a lot to us off and on the pitch. It’s a really good move for the club and him.

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Meet Adam Lallana!

“When you talk about personality, it’s deeper than what you might think. It’s about understanding how to get points to get up the table and how you should approach the game, believing that you can win.

“At the same time you have to believe that if you don’t play well, if you don’t work hard and score goals then you will lose. So it’s quite a broad thing. Adam has got a good understanding of the league and knows what it’s like being a really important member of a successful club.”

Veltman also adds a huge amount of know-how, having spent nearly 20 years at Ajax.

“He’s an experienced right-back,” Potter added.

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Meet Joel Veltman

“He’s played for the Netherlands, he’s played for Ajax in the Champions League and was part of a really impressive team that they built. He’s comfortable on the ball, he’s looking for a fresh challenge and we’re delighted to have him.”

Veltman revealed that Netherlands teammate Davy Propper helped convince him that a move to Albion would be good for his career.

“When you’re competing to sign players it’s good to have players at the club who know the prospective signing, because they can have a good and honest conversation about the club,” added Potter.

By Paul Hazlewood
Davy Propper was important in convincing Joel Veltman to sign for the Albion.

“Sometimes clubs and agents can say what they want, but the best thing is word of mouth from the people that are here every day. Obviously Davy has a positive feel about the club and it definitely helped because it’s another person who can convince them they should want to play for the club.”