Adam Webster has responded well after some early setbacks in his Premier League career and developed into a top player, according to Graham Potter.
The defender has been out for two-and-a-half months with an ankle injury sustained at Burnley, but his form up until that point had seen him linked with a call-up to the England squad. He is fit again and in the squad for tonight's trip to Chelsea.
Improving players like the 26-year-old is the way Albion have to operate in the transfer window according to Albion's head coach, and Webster is proof that it can pay off.
“We are taking guys who are not at the level, like Adam Webster who was playing for Bristol City in the Championship, and trying to get him up to being a Premier League player and then a top Premier League player. In that process mistakes will happen and the important thing is how you respond. I think he has responded really well.
“In his first season there were lots of good things from Adam and challenges as well, which is normal. But he has come through that, grown and developed. His form before he was injured was fantastic – the Liverpool game at Anfield was probably one of his best [performances].
“He has got the character to continue to take steps. It is our job to support him while that is happening and it’s not a straight road. When you were a kid learning to ride your bike, sometimes you fall off and you get back up and go again. It’s the same adapting to the Premier League, it’s just that when you fall off in the Premier League it’s a bit more painful.”
Another signing with no prior Premier League experience who has proved to be a top purchase is Pascal Gross.
“He’s been a fantastic signing – he has added goals, quality in terms of assists and key passes and he does a lot of work for the team,” Potter said of his German midfielder. “He’s a fantastic professional and a good person to have around. he’s been a really important part of this club’s journey in the Premier League.
“His tactical understanding of the game is really good and he’s been important especially during the period of change when we have tried to bring through younger players. To have someone like Pascal around to provide a role model of how to act every day is really important for us.”