Graham Potter says Lewis Dunk has been his best player since his arrival in May, 2019.
The 29-year-old was quickly promoted to the role of skipper and the defender has continued to improve since then, according to Potter.
“His attributes will be really important [in the last ten games] and he's getting better and better. It's his second season as captain and he leads more naturally by example, he wears his heart on his sleeve and he takes on the responsibility of performing to the highest level – he's been the best player since I have been at the club.
“He is also developing as a person off the pitch as well as on it. He's been a credit to himself and I am really proud of him.”
Dunk wasn’t the only academy graduate to be praised by Potter after Robert Sanchez received his first call-up to the Spain senior squad on Monday.
“I am very pleased for Robert, for [goalkeeping coaches] Ben Roberts and Casper Ankergren who work with him, as well as everyone in the academy,” Potter said. “It's a great story. We're delighted and it's a reward for Rob for his development since he has been at the club and everyone who helped with that.
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“I am not surprised by his performances, I would say you never know [what might have happened] when we first put him in, but his attributes are of the highest level.
“The only thing he lacked was games and experience, and that's the bit where you never know how things will go. But he's got everything you need to be a top goalkeeper.”