Roberto De Zerbi believes his big decision over goalkeepers has paid off.

The Albion head coach left out Robert Sanchez recently, explaining that Jason Steele’s style of using possession better suited his own gameplan.

Sanchez returned at Chelsea last week and De Zerbi was pleased with what he saw.

De Zerbi said: “Robert showed he is improving.

“Because at Stamford Bridge he played very well, better in the build-up. He played better than in the last period.

“I think my request is not so difficult. It is difficult to accept.

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“I don't want to take risks but I always want to play with the ball in every situation, every stadium, every result, and every opponent.

“I think he understood my idea and my vision and what I want on the pitch."

De Zerbi was pleased with Sanchez’s reaction to being left out.

He added: “When I explained to him my decision one or two months ago, I told him there was an opportunity for him to improve.

“I think he answered in the right way, working harder than in the past and he is improving for it."