Birthday boy Facundo Buonanotte has been told he is coming of age in the Premier League.

The Albion midfielder turns 19 today and his parents and best mate are over from Argentina to help him celebrate.

Buonanotte made a difference after going on as substitute at half-time in the 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace.

Head coach Roberto De Zerbi said: “I think he is playing with more energy, with different attitude, with different mentality.

“Now I think he feels he is able to stay in the Premier League.

“Two months ago, three months ago, I didn’t see the same attitude, the same behaviour.

“I am really happy for him because he is a good guy. He has the right spirit, he has the right character to play.”

De Zerbi was close to starting with Buonanotte at Palace but opted for Carlos Baleba in he quest for more physicality and aerial power.

He reversed that call at half-time and dropped Pascal Gross into a deeper role after starting him as No.10.

De Zerbi said: “I think the young players improve when they can make mistakes.

“They can play bad and Facundo played some games not so well.

“I don’t remember the games but a couple of times he played only 45 minutes and I substituted him at half-time.

“For a young player it is not a good thing but in 45 minutes they can improve, they can play, they can have a ret for their improvement.

“Like this it will be for Baleba, for Evan.

“Evan Ferguson is better in terms of level than Facundo and Baleba because he is English, more or less.

“He knows the characteristics of the Premier League. Facundo and Baleba both have great potential.”