Roberto De Zerbi has been left almost lost for words by the rapid progress of anAlbion defender.

Jan Paul van Hecke impressed on his return to the starting XI at home to Newcastle.

He defended strongly right up until a very late lapse and his use of the ball looked to have moved up a level as he accepted possession in tight areas and kept it moving under pressure.

It was some contrast to a torrid evening he endured against the same opponents towards the end of last season.

Asked about Van Hecke’s efforts in the 3-1 win, De Zerbi said: “Incredible. His performance was fantastic. I haven’t got words to explain his improvement.

“He’s a serious player, a serious guy. I’m very, very pleased.

“He has a big personality, big courage, great attitude and he deserves to play.”

Van Hecke appears to have moved into pole position to partner skipper Lewis Dunk at the back.

But De Zerbi also has Adam Webster and the so far unused Igor Julio as options on the bench.

He said: “From September 16 to the end of October we will play ten games. We can’t fix our first eleven.

“We have 22-23 players and everyone can play, can start.”