Alexis Mac Allister has been hailed as a coach’s dream as he tackles a pivotal role with Albion.

The Argentina international has impressed in a deep-lying berth alongside Moises Caicedo against Estoril Praia and Reading.

Their understanding in that area could help offset the departure of Yves Bissouma to Tottenham.

Head coach Graham Potter has been impressed by what he has seen.

Speaking after the Reading game, he told The Argus: “Very exciting, to be honest. I thought Alexis was really good.

“His longer passing is the area where he can improve on today, but I think he has got that in his capabilities.

“But I thought they balanced off really well.

“Positional play was good, especially with Alexis.”

Mac Allister has played in various roles with Albion, including as a false No.9 for the first half at Tottenham last season.

Potter said: “He wants to play centrally.

“I think he is one of those players who can play in any of the central positions.

“He can play as a six, as an eight, as a ten and probably his biggest attribute is his game insight, his understanding of the game.

“When you have that, you can play pretty much anywhere.”

Potter believes the 23-year-old can handle the physical demands of the role.

He added: “You can see the physicality of him.

“He can tackle, he wins the ball, he can run, he can do everything in that midfield area.

“He has been a real plus for us.

“He played there second half against West Ham at the back end of the season.

“It gives us opportunities.

“Just from a coach’s perspective, he is a bit of a dream because he can just understand the role, understands football really well and gets on with it.”

Albion were last night close to completing a deal taking Reda Khadra to Sheffield United, expected to be a loan.