Graham Potter has revealed why the time was right to throw Moises Caicedo into the Premier League.

The Ecuador star helped Albion win 2-1 at Arsenal on his Prem debut.

Caicedo played a big part in the Enock Mwepu strike which proved to be the winner.

He has enjoyed a leading role in his country reaching the World Cup finals but has had to wait for his league opportunities since returning from loan at Beerschot.

There could be more chances with Jakub Moder ruled out long-term by a knee injury.

Albion wore Moder’s name and number on their warm-up shirts at the Emirates.

Seagulls boss Potter said of Caicedo: “When he came back from his loan we were actually doing quite well. Our results were positive.

“It’s not so easy to come from Belgium and into the team and wait for the right opportunity.

“Then we start to lose so again it’s not necessarily the right time to put him in.

“He has had to be patient.

“He has had some really positive experiences with his national team and then, for the game today, I felt we had to be strong in that midfield area.”

Caicedo is widely seen as a potential midfield successor to Yves Bissouma but he combined with the Mali international this time.

Potter said: “Obviously Jakub’s injury has changed things a little bit.

“Moises, Enock and Yves in midfield I thought could be helpful for us.

“He is a young player of huge potential.

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“I am delighted for him he was able to get the game time and show what he can do because there is no doubt he is going to be a top player.”