'The world is Baleba's oyster'

Former Brighton striker Warran Aspinall says Carlos Baleba has shown "glimpses of his potential" so far this season, adding that the defensive midfielder is "on a par" with former Seagulls player Moises Caicedo.

Speaking on BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast, Aspinall said: "He is getting better and better. When he gets the ball on the half-turn, he uses his body and strength to get that quick five yards and get his head up. Then he can break the lines and take two or three midfield players out of the game straight away.

"Sometimes he takes too many touches with his head down and he gets all flustered. If he can get his head up and look around - because he's gained that space with his power in the first five yards - he can then play a simple pass.

"To become a top player now, he needs to be consistent. It's not about having three good games, three bad games.

"He needs to have games like he did against Manchester City, against a top-class midfield. We have seen glimpses of his potential.

"He gets frustrated with himself at times in games, but he doesn't need to do that. The world is his oyster.

"Moises Caicedo went for over £100m and Baleba is on a par with him. He is probably the next player that will be on the conveyor belt to go for bigger money. We need to keep these players if we can - they have all got a price tag on their heads.

"Carlos Baleba just needs to keep his feet on the ground [for now] and keep listening to Daddy [Danny] Welbeck."

Listen to the full podcast on BBC Sounds