POTTER: MY KEEPER IS A WORLD-BEATER

BRIGHTON goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is being tipped to become world class by his boss Graham Potter as he faces Everton’s Jordan Pickford at Goodison today.

Spaniard Sanchez (above), who has been with Brighton since the age of 15, is one of the surprise packages of this season.

He has become hugely influential since taking over from Aussie star Mat Ryan in the Brighton goal, conceding only 16 times and keeping six clean sheets in 17 games.

The former Seagulls youth teamer, who has also played for Forest Green Rovers and Rochdale on loan, has even been called up to the Spain national team.

He came on for his debut against Georgia in a World Cup qualifier in September.

Now Potter says Sanchez, 24, has limitless potential as Brighton arrive on Merseyside sitting 10th in the Premier League — five places above their hosts.

Potter said: “Robert has the potential to be anything. He can play in any team in the world, he’s that high-level. His physicality is amazing, his shot-stopping is amazing, he can come for crosses, he’s good with the ball at his feet.

“He has got everything he needs to be a top keeper. The only thing he lacks is games and he’s been building on those the last couple of years. He’s fantastic.”

Sanchez’s potential could reach a wider audience today as he goes head-to-head with Everton and England keeper Pickford — and Potter is confident he will come out of the comparison well.

He said: “I can’t compare the two because I don’t know Jordan well. I can see that he’s been really good in the Premier League, of course, and is fantastic for

England as well.

“So, I have respect for him and his career. But I can only speak about Rob — and he’s got everything. I’m delighted with him and I think he’ll get better. I don’t think he’s at his maximum yet.”

What impresses Potter is that his Spanish No.1 is not only a strong shot stopper but also outstanding on the ball.

He added: “You can see the contribution he’s made since he’s been in our team in terms of clean sheets and saves. Our defensive record has been strong.

“But he also contributes with our attacking as well. The first goal we scored against Liverpool at Anfield started with Rob and a fantastic pass out to Marc Cucurella, which opened up the pitch for us.

“Sometimes you need to use your goalkeeper like that because he’s the spare man and can draw pressure and be used to start your attacks.”

Everton like to use Pickford the same way, but Brighton seem to have got the balance right.

They have lost only once away from home and conceded only nine goals on the road. Compare that to Everton who have lost five and conceded 16 times away.

Albion hope to have Leandro Trossard, Adam Webster and Enoch Mwepu all back after injury today, but are still without captain Lewis Dunk.

Highly rated midfielder Yves Bissouma makes his 100th appearance for the club before heading off to the Africa Cup of Nations, with Mali.