'This guy is a real player,' Why ex-Chelsea man Tariq Lamptey has impressed Brighton's Adam Webster

Brighton defender Adam Webster is delighted but not surprised by the impact Tariq Lamptey has made since the Premier League restart
Adam Webster has been impressed by Tariq Lamptey's recent displaysAdam Webster has been impressed by Tariq Lamptey's recent displays
Adam Webster has been impressed by Tariq Lamptey's recent displays

Lamptey, 19, joined Brighton for £3m on transfer deadline last January. The young right back had to be patient for his chance but made an immediate impact on his full Brighton debut during the 0-0 draw at Leicester City.

Lamptey has since impressed in the first half against Man United and was excellent at Carrow Road as a first half goal from Leandro Trossard sealed a vital 1-0 win for Albion.

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"He’s done amazing since he’s come in," said Webster, who recovered from a hamstring injury to deliver a solid defensive display at Norwich. "I remember watching him on his debut for Chelsea and thinking ‘This guy’s a player’.

"Ever since he’s come in, every day in training he works so hard. You can see the ability he’s got.

"He’s kept his head down. Obviously he’s had to wait for his chance and now he’s got it and taken it with both hands. We’re really lucky to have him.

"He’s got everything. Athletically, he’s so fast and so strong. He doesn’t get beat in a one-v-one.

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"Technically he’s very good. The best thing is he is a lovely kid. He’s so humble. He has a bright future in front of him."

Lamptey had been at Chelsea since the age of seven and made just one Premier League appearance for the Blues.

He was behind Reece James in the pecking order for a regular role on the right side of defence at Stamford Bridge and made the choice to join Brighton to further his career.

"It was a brave decision," Webster added. "He could have signed a new contract for Chelsea and maybe not played many games. But he stepped out of his comfort zone and came to us.

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"He’s got a real chance here to play and develop as a player. He’s showing great maturity on the pitch. He’s still learning and will get better with every game."

The vital three points at Norwich moved Albion nine points clear of the drop zone and within touching distance of Premier League survival.

Australian midfielder Aaron Mooy played a key role in the victory and it was his perfect run and cross that teed-up Trossard for a well-taken winner.

“It was a massive result," said Mooy. "We were under pressure because everyone was expecting us to win and take a big step towards safety so we were delighted to get the job done.

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“But no, I don’t think we’re safe. We have to keep trying to get as many points as possible until we are mathematically sure. We have to keep working hard.”

Albion had a lucky escape in the dying moments when Adam Idah's glancing header struck the post.

“My heart was in my mouth when they hit the post at the end," Mooy added. "We got a bit of luck and sometimes that happens, but I thought we deserved it.

“We wanted to keep our shape and make it difficult for Norwich to get through us. We were fine for them to have the ball and play it around at the back and I thought we did that very well.”

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