Roberto De Zerbi gave a positive assessment of new signing Valentin Barco although urged that he needs time to adapt to the rigours of the Premier League.
The 19-year-old made his debut as a second half substitute in the 1-0 defeat to Wolves on Wednesday night as Albion chased an equaliser.
The Argentinian showed promise as an attacking full back option, most notably with a cross which Welbeck narrowly headed over.
His debut almost mirrors that of Brighton’s most successful South American talent Alexis Mac Allister.
Mac Allister made his first Albion appearance in a trip to Molineux almost four years ago just before the Covid lockdown in March 2020.
Despite crashing out of the FA Cup, Albion’s head coach hailed the performance of his young side as a “Brighton day”.
De Zerbi said: “Barco is one of the young players, he needs much time to progress, to understand the Premier League. He is part of our policy.
"Today is a Brighton day because we played with someone from 2004, two players of the under 21s.
“Facundo Buonanotte and Cam Peupion started the first half, then Julio, Baleba and Barco as well. It’s a good day because the future of Brighton was on the pitch today.
"Our policy is to help the young players to progress and to produce players for the future for the other teams. For the other level.”
Alexis Mac Allister is one of Brighton’s major success stories, both on the pitch as they secured Europe last season and then as an eventual sale last summer.
The 25-year-old grew into a crucial player for Brighton over four years before winning the World Cup with Argentina in December 2022.
He then made the move to Liverpool last summer in a deal that could reach £55 million based on how well he plays.
So far his performances have been well-received in Merseyside.
The club’s method of finding, developing and selling young players for a huge profit was in place long before De Zerbi took charge and is something he is honest about in press conferences.
Alexis Mac Allister is on a long list of talents that Albion have unearthed before selling on for a healthy profit. Valentin Barco adds to Albion’s exciting contingent of young players who also fit that bill.
Brighton signed him from Boca Juniors for $10 million in January. His arrival in England was delayed as he helped Argentina under-23s beat Brazil in the final round of the CONMEBOL Olympic qualifying tournament in Venezuela.
He helped deliver the only goal of that game with a delicious left-footed, outswinging, dipping delivery which was headed home by Argentinos Juniors forward Luciano Gondou that night.
Barco's 15 minute cameo on Wednesday gave plenty to be excited about and gave us a glimpse of what to expect from him.
Although time and patience is needed before we see his very best in the Premier League.
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