Jeremy Sarmiento reckons seeing Moises Caicedo ‘tearing it up’ in an Albion shirt is all the motivation he needs to break into the first team.
Caicedo started in all eight of Albion’s final Premier League matches, as Graham Potter’s team secured a record ninth-place finish in the top-tier.
The 20-year-old spent the first half of the season on loan in Belgium with Beerschot, but since his recall in January Jeremy has been helping him settle in.
“When I knew Moises was coming back from Belgium, from the first minute I was with him helping him with whatever he needed,” Sarmiento said. “I have also learned a lot from him on the pitch.
“He is playing all the matches, he is tearing it up and that pushes me to be in the team with him on the same pitch. It is fantastic to have a friend who I can share things with at Brighton and in the Ecuador squad.”
The pair will be hoping to add to their international caps when Ecuador face Cape Verde in a friendly on Sunday morning.
Don Moisés Caicedo pic.twitter.com/950X7dJM35
— La Tri 🇪🇨 (@LaTri) June 6, 2022
Jeremy’s rise to the national team caught the youngster out, having made his international debut in October 2021.
“I was surprised to get the call-up then to tell the truth, It was very quick. But I could see they had this trust in me, that [Ecuador head coach] Gustavo Alfaro still has. I thank him a lot, not only him but the staff and coaches as well.
“I’ve had injuries this season and it has not been easy for me. They know I’m not at my maximum yet – I am still recovering – but they still keep me in mind, they still have this confidence in me.
“I’m very grateful for this chance to help the team. I’m happy.”