Brighton star Tariq Lamptey lauds influence from Chelsea defender Reece James

The two right-backs came through the youth academy at the Blues and are now both first-choice players at their respective clubs.

James remained at Chelsea and become a regular for the England team, whereas Lamptey moved to Albion in January 2020.

Since the move to the Amex, the 21-year-old has become one of the most promising players in the Premier League.

Tariq Lamptey was part of the Chelsea youth academy before his move to Brighton and Hove Albion

Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: "I was privileged to be in a good place where they allowed me to develop and I'm grateful to them.

"But I feel it was time to try and get regular game time and just try and take my game to the next level and keep developing.

"When I was at Chelsea, Reece James was in the age group older than me. He was always giving me good advice. I'm happy to see him doing well, and hopefully, that continues.

"There was a good academy at Chelsea and they give you the tools you need to try and develop your game.

"It just so happens that they have a lot of players in that position but they've got boys all around that can take it to the next level."

The wide player has also admitted that he has based his game on Brazilian stars Dani Alves and Ronaldinho, both of which were world-class during their careers.

Brighton and Hove Albion defender Tariq Lamptey has spoken of his influence by Barcelona stars Ronaldinho and Dani Alves

He said: "The game keeps advancing, and as a full-back you have to be prepared to defend first but try and contribute to the team with assists or goals.

"That's how it is at the moment which is brilliant for me because I love to get forward and also like defending.

"When I was a kid I liked watching Dani Alves and Ronaldinho, but I also loved watching Ashley Cole bomb up and down even though it was on the left flank. He had great energy and the technique he had was amazing."

Since arriving at the club Lamptey has made 26 appearances for the Seagulls, assisting four goals and scoring once, although he has missed a substantial period due to a hamstring injury.

This injury, however, has not affected his ability on the ball or his pace, something that was feared due to the length of his injury almost being a year.

He made his return against Swansea City in the Carabao Cup in September and has worked his way back into the Premier League side.

Manager Graham Potter is still managing Lamptey's injury an he is yet to play a full 90 minutes, just to make sure he does not suffer a relapse to his injury.

The defender's performances have seen him attract interest from some top clubs around Europe including Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Tottenham and most recently Manchester United.