Jack Hinshelwood says Roberto De Zerbi comes up with roles which suit his players perfectly.

He certainly found a way to help the teenager make an impact as a stand-in full-back who could pop up in midfield or at the far post going for goal.

Hinshelwood was thrown into the heat of midfield battle for his first Premier League start when the Seagulls went to Aston Villa at the end of September.

It did not go well as De Zerbi’s side were overpowered in the engine room.

But Hinshelwood himself did not emerge scarred and went on to make a big impact, albeit after some time out of the side.

He returned to the team two months after Villa Park to help complete the dramatic win at Nottingham Forest as a first-half substitute for the injured Tariq Lamptey, then was back in the XI for the hard-fought success in Athens.

His efforts secured him the club’s young player of the season award, which is no mean feat given the fact he only started 12 games and the squad is packed with youthful talent.

Highlights included a winning goal against Brentford, a thumping finish against Tottenham and his own favourite, the header against Crystal Palace.

He also played in the memorable win at home to Marseille.

And he was a flexible part of the tactical masterclass in that win at home to Spurs.

Ironically, the return match in North London was the first of his current lay-off.

Many of his appearances were officially at right-back but with licence to use his talents and athleticism.

Looking back on that progress, Hinshelwood told The Argus: “My first start at Villa was not what we wanted as a team and definitely not what I wanted personally.

“I had to really work hard after that to gain another opportunity.

“When that came along, I just had to grab it and make full use of that and try to get a regular place in the starting XI.

“The gaffer makes roles for everyone in the team so no one feels uncomfortable and I most certainly didn’t.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the role that the gaffer made for me.

“I could use my attributes.

“I could get on the ball in the middle of the pitch and I could also get in the box and score goals.

“The gaffer really did make a perfect role for me.”

It was about this time last year that De Zerbi was really taking note of Hinshelwood in training and looking to get him on the pitch before the season ended.

He made it by a few minutes in the end, also at Villa.

De Zerbi said recently: “Jack’s a smart guy.

“He plays with passion. He is very young but physically he can play in the Premier League and in a good way.

“He has always played very well this season and I am sorry for his injury.

“He can play in every position; left back, right back.

“He has been important when he has played.”

De Zerbi has highlighted what happened with Hinshelwood as an example for others to follow when given a chance in the closing weeks of this season.

But the young man himself will be a real asset once the players reconvene later in the summer.

Hinshelwood is keen to point out the pressure-free support he has received from his family, not least his dad Adam.

He has returned the favour of late, supporting Dad as he tackles his first few weeks as boss at fifth-tier strugglers York City having moved from Worthing.

Jack said: “I have been up to see how he is getting on.

“He had a tough start but I’m really happy how it has turned out.

“They avoided relegation and now he has got a full pre-season of work to get the boys and himself ready for next season.”