Valentin Barco will reap the benefits of his first Premier League start – including a costly error in the 4-0 defeat by Manchester City.

The 19-year-old generally impressed on the left and endeared himself to fans with clever skills and some steely tackles.

But he gave the ball away ahead of City’s third goal on a tough night for the injury-hit Seagulls.

Fellow full-back Joel Veltman, the vastly-experienced former Ajax and Holland defender, said: “Especially on the ball, he was doing really well.

“Of course, we conceded the third goal but that is how we play, right?

"With risk, and we won’t do it differently against Bournemouth on Sunday.

“We need to learn from that. Especially at his age, he will learn from it.

“Sometimes it is good that those kinds of things happen, especially for him. He will grow, he will get better.

“But especially on the ball he did well, in the second half as well.

“He is like a proper left-back, I would say. He has made his debut for Argentina as well, which says a lot.

“He has got all the information of how we play, all the players so, at his age, playing in the Prem is a really good achievement.”

Veltman says has never know the sort injury problems Albion have suffered this term.

He added: “I have never experienced that in my career, I would say.

“Of course you have injuries but long-term ones as well.

“It’s frustrating but we are still 11th but, if you just be realistic, it has been a tough season.

“We have a small chance for a European spot with tough games still to go but we will go for it, 100%.

“If there is a small chance, we will go for it.”

Veltman said City were high-quality opponents on Thursday but felt there was more Albion could have done to stop them.

He said: “I always look in the mirror first before I look at the opponents.

“Of course we need to do better, can do better.

“But they were a level too high for us.

“We will review the game and Sunday is a nice challenge to come back strong.”