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Potter on Webster’s leadership skills

Head coach on giving defender the captaincy.

By Alex Stedman • 31 October 2020

Graham Potter congratulates Adam Webster after the win over Newcastle United.

Graham Potter says Adam Webster’s leadership qualities made him ideal to take over as Albion captain.

With Lewis Dunk starting a three-match ban, Webster led the side in the 1-1 draw with West Brom on Monday.

Potter said, “I think that if people are the right character they respond to increased responsibility.

“Adam has the inter-personal skills and the intra-personal skills to be a leader and to lead people. 

“We had other options but Adam has been with us pretty much since I’ve been at the club and understands what we are trying to do, so he was one of the choices. But we could have chosen well from another few within the group.”

Potter also spoke about the decision to deploy Ben White in midfield for the second game in succession following a man of the match performance against Crystal Palace.

“It’s hard to predict someone’s career but I think Ben has got the capability to play a few positions. 

“His best position is as a defender because that’s where he’s played most of his games. 

“I think he probably enjoyed the midfield role a bit more against Crystal Palace, but I still felt he contributed well in the first half against West Brom. He recovered balls and gave us good balance. 

“He has got the capability to play there, but I’d say centre-back will be his main position.”

Albion head to the capital on Sunday to face a Tottenham side Potter believes have some of the best attacking talents in the division. 

“From the matches I have seen I would say they’re right up there with the best so far this season.  

“They have got top individuals and players with that amazing understanding of running in behind or dropping into space which causes teams problems. They are performing at a really high level.”