Midfielder Moises Caicedo has already achieved one ambition by playing – and scoring – in the Premier League.
And he hopes his experience after breaking into the team at the end of the season can help him achieve another dream and line up for Ecuador in the World Cup later this year.
The 20-year-old, one of the breakout stars of our best ever Premier League season, is back in action for La Tri on Sunday when they take on Cape Verde in Florida in friendly. Caicedo will then head back home for a break prior to reporting for pre-season training at the end of June.
Caicedo has been a regular for Ecuador in the last 12 months, playing 12 times in World Cup qualifiers and friendlies, and he says appearing for Albion in the Premier League has helped him improve on the international stage.
Ecuador will play in the opening match of the World Cup against hosts Qatar on 21 November. Their group also includes Senegal and the Netherlands. Only injury is likely to prevent Caicedo from making the finals, although he takes nothing for granted.
🔥 ¡Vamos todos a alentar a #LaTri!
— La Tri 🇪🇨 (@LaTri) June 7, 2022
🙌 #MoisésCaicedo quiere ver pintado de amarillo el estadio en Fort Lauderdale.
🎟 Compra aquí: https://t.co/Vqw5TMgctm#JuntosACatar🇪🇨 pic.twitter.com/VJsitSyJ79
“In football anything can happen and there are a few months to go yet," he said. "I keep doing all I can and who doesn’t want to go to a World Cup? I have been in all squads and I want to be there and play and that is why I work hard for Brighton, showing what I can do to be in that XI. But there a lot of very good players in my position so I have to keep improving.
“It has helped a lot because there a lot of good players in the other South American national teams. It was a good way of gaining experience before coming to Brighton and now being in the Premier League has improved me when I play for Ecuador.”
“Playing in the Premier League was a dream. The football is very fast, very dynamic, physical. I love it and l have taken my first steps. Now my aim next season is to keep helping the team and be a fundamental part of the team.
"Thanks to God I have been able to adapt well to the Premier League, I am where I am thanks to that and the support of my family.”