There is always room for improvement, even after such an encouraging first season in the Premier League for Albion.

One of the harder tasks for Chris Hughton will be to make the Seagulls better defensively.

Albion conceded 54 goals, a figure inflated by seven leaked in the final two games at Manchester City and Liverpool once safety had been secured.

Only Newcastle (47) had a meaner record than that outside the top seven.

Only four clubs breached Albion's defences more than twice in a match - Manchester City, Liverpool (twice), Chelsea and Crystal Palace.

One area where there is scope to tighten up considerably is corners. Albion let-in 12 goals via this route, almost a quarter of the total.

Three members of the defensive unit will take some shifting.

The Argus: Mathew Ryan (above) excelled between the posts. Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy were dominant forces in front of him.

There is no question mark over the No.1, just, so to speak, who is behind him.

No.2 and No.3 goalkeepers face regular and particular frustration. If the man in possession is performing well, there is no reason to leave him out for the sake, for example, of restoring energy levels, rotation or tactical adjustments dependent on the opposition.

Of the 15 Premier League players involved in all 38 games for their clubs, five (including Ryan) were goalkeepers.

Albion are still working on their goalkeeping pool for next season. Tim Krul (five cup appearances) and Niki Maenpaa (two) are both out of contract.

Christian Walton (below) is back from helping Wigan win League One. The balance is whether to continue his education and loan progression in the Championship or keep him at the Amex as an option. Back-up for the central pillars, Duffy and Dunk, has already been partially addressed.

The Argus: The signing of Nigerian international Leon Balogun on a free transfer from Mainz, within six days of the summer transfer window opening, compensates for the return to Paderborn of Uwe Huenemeier on the expiry of his contract.

These are not positions easily filled, given the prominence of Dunk and Duffy. Dunk played all 3,420 minutes, Duffy missed only 126 minutes.

Both were high up the stats lists in most aspects of defending. Barring injury, suspension or loss of form, other central defenders must be prepared for limited opportunities.

Connor Goldson's patience has worn thin, which is understandable, especially at his age (25).

He was accustomed to playing regularly for Shrewsbury before joining Albion three years ago.

Goldson made 25 league appearances in his first season. Just seven have followed in the last two seasons since Duffy was signed.

The Dunk-Duffy partnership was established prior to the major heart surgery which sidelined Goldson from the second half of the 2016-17 promotion campaign.

If, as seems likely, Goldson leaves, either for Glasgow Rangers or the Championship, then signing a suitable replacement will not be straightforward.

Reading's Liam Moore is of interest, although contrary to reports no bid has been made.

As for the full-back positions, they are less of a priority than other areas of the squad.

The Argus: Albion strengthened last summer, signing Markus Suttner (above) on the left as competition and cover for Gaetan Bong, Ezequiel Schelotto on the right to challenge Bruno.

Bong started 25 league games, Bruno 23, Schelotto 15 and Suttner 13.

The Seagulls tend to look more secure defensively with Bong and Bruno in the team, although their rivals provide Hughton with an all-round variety of attributes.

Dunk took over the captaincy 15 times. That could happen more next season, depending on how Bruno copes in his 38th year.

Leading out your home town club in the Premier League - it does not get much better than that.