Lewis Dunk has been urged to lead Albion all the way to Europe.
The skipper makes his 200th Premier League appearance as his side visit Tottenham in a potential six-pointer.
Head coach Roberto De Zerbi is facing a selection decision as to who partners Dunk at the back.
But there will be no team rotation involving his captain, such is his influence.
Dunk goes head-to-head with Harry Kane, the striker De Zerbi rates the best in the Prem, tomorrow.
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The Seagulls boss said of Dunk: “He has to play every game because he is too important for us. He is very important for us.
“I think he is one of the best five centre-backs in the Premier League, but not only in the Premier League.
“You can understand what I think about the quality of Lewis.”
De Zerbi made it clear how highly he rates Kane – and why he wants Evan Ferguson to follow suit.
He said: “Kane is a complete player, complete striker.
“He can play like a No.10 or like a No.9.
“He has the quality of a No.10 and he is a striker, a goalscorer like a No.9.
“He is able to keep the ball, to play with team-mates in the last 20 metres and he understands when he has to attack the space or when to receive the ball. He is a top player.
“Evan, now, his best quality is to score, to shoot, to find the goal.
“I would like to help him become more complete, become a proper player.
“Now he has one big quality but, to achieve the big level, he has to improve.”
Midfield duo Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister are fit to play but Tariq Lamptey (knee) is still out.
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