Mats Wieffer is ready for life in the Premier League - as he closes in on his competitive Albion debut.
The Holland international signed from Feyenoord this summer is expected to start at Everton on Saturday as the new campaign gets under way.
He believes the time is right for the big challenge after shining in the Eredivisie.
Wieffer said: “I think I have played now two good seasons with Feyenoord.
“Also, European football, Champions League and with the national team as well.
“I think I have to take the next step and Brighton is the perfect place to do that.
“You see a lot of players are developing really well here and also other Dutch people as well.
“That is not the main reason that I come here but it helps.
“Last season had European football and we hope to get it this season as well.
“Last season there were lot of injuries and that is a bit of a shame but I hope we can do this year even better than last season.”
Wieffer impressed in a deep-lying midfield role in the 4-0 friendly win over Villarreal and believes Albion showed an ability to adapt which can serve them well in the Premier League campaign.
He said: “At the beginning they hit the post and the start was maybe not the best.
“But we could see what they were doing and we adapted to it, also with the pressure.
“They switched sides a couple of times and we had problems with that.
“But after 15 minutes I think we solved it a bit better and controlled the game.”
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