Robert Sanchez's ability was 'mind-blowing' from the moment he stepped through the door, according to team-mate Ben White.
The pair came through the academy together, before both enjoyed loan spells out in the EFL.
Having established their names in the Albion first team, White isn't surprised to see Sanchez playing at the highest level.
“If you asked anybody at the club, they wouldn't have doubted that Rob would play in the Premier League.
“The first day he came in it was mind-blowing how good he was. He was miles ahead of everyone else – the quality, the power he has is next level. He's found his level now and he's here to stay.
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“With Rob nothing really surprises you, whatever he wants to do he can. He can go all the way.”
The pair knew the standards they had to reach when they were in the Under-23s and would be invited to join in first team training, and saw the effort Lewis Dunk put in.
“When I was younger I used to watch Lewis train and he would be the best trainer every day. I’d come over from the 23s and watch and I was speechless at how good he was. It was ridiculous to watch,” White said.
“This season he has been unbelievable for us. I don’t think we’d be in the position we are now if he wasn’t in the team – he’d be a big miss for us if he wasn’t here.
“When I’m playing next to him and I see some of the things he does, it’s crazy. I think if I tried one of those things I’d definitely give away a goal. I don’t know how he is so cool about it. It’s just him, especially with the shoulder back to Rob Sanchez against Leeds and the flicks. He knows how good he is and what he can do.
“He’s one of the best in the Premier League and he doesn’t get the credit he deserves. We’re fighting every week and it’s tough to be a defender but he shows how good he is in those situations.”