Time for Webster’s form to be rewarded with a trip to Qatar

FOR a bit of fun over Christmas, this newspaper did an article in which Sportsmail columnist Chris Sutton rated each club’s record transfer as a ‘hit’ or ‘miss’. From the flops of Paul Pogba and Nicolas Pepe to the smart business of Virgil van Dijk and Youri Tielemans, 19 of Sutton’s verdicts were spot on. But then on Brighton defender Adam Webster he wrote: ‘Is he good enough to say, “Phwoar, he’s been a worthy club record signing for Brighton?” I’m not so sure as £20million might have been steep.’ Brighton fans will have another verdict — one that is getting punchier with each match. Webster is a stellar player with all the attributes of a modern-day defender. So it is not a question of ‘hit or miss?’ as a transfer but more ‘is it time for Gareth Southgate and England to take note of Webster?’ He scored a goal — his second in three league games — to wrap up Brighton’s easy win at Watford on Saturday, adding to Neal Maupay’s exquisite first-half opener. Webster, 27, has had a rapid rise up the divisions, from hometown club Portsmouth to Ipswich and then Bristol City before his £20m move to Brighton in the summer of 2019. He has been crucial for Graham Potter’s side when fit. Indeed, when

Brighton sold Ben White to Arsenal for £50m last summer, Brighton fans joked that the England international was their third best defender, behind Webster and captain Lewis Dunk. Dunk has often been on the periphery of the national team squads, with just one cap, but Southgate is said to be unsure of his on-the-ball talents. That cannot be the case with Webster, who brings the ball out in a manner akin to Manchester City’s John Stones. The odds on Webster to make Southgate’s squad in Qatar have

shortened over the last week from 15-1 to 10-1. Asked about Webster’s England credentials, Potter said: ‘That decision is in the hands of somebody else, we respect that. We want to help him. ‘He’s not perfect every week but he tries his best. He’s great with the ball and is now chipping in with goals.’ Potter might fear that, like White, Webster (right) could be snapped up for big money by a Big Six side. That alone is enough to, on appeal, conclude with the verdict of ‘hit’ for his £20m signing. Next stop, Qatar?

WATFORD (4-4-2): Foster 7; Femenia 5, Cathcart 5, Samir 5, Kamara 5; Kucka 5 (Sarr 46, 6), Sissoko 6, Kayembe 5 (Louza 46, 6), Cleverley 5 (Pedro 70, 6); Dennis 4, King 5. Booked: Dennis, Kamara, Louza. Manager: Roy Hodgson 5. BRIGHTON (3-4-2-1): Sanchez 6; Webster 7.5, Dunk 7, Veltman 7; LAMPTEY 8, Lallana 7 (Duffy 90+1), Moder 7, Cucurella 7; Gross 6.5 (Mac Allister 64, 6), Welbeck 7 (Bissouma 64, 6); Maupay 7.5. Scorers: Maupay 44, Webster 82. Booked: Dunk, Lamptey. Manager: Graham Potter 8. Referee: Jonathan Moss 7. Attendance: 20,795.