Alireza Jahanbakhsh hasn’t quite lived up to expectations but Potter believes that a new role could bring the best out of him.
The Iranian was left out of the squad for Brighton’s first two games but Potter’s comments hinted that he still has a future with the club despite a terrible debut campaign last season.
“For me, he’s a top lad who trains really well, plays really well and needs to be patient to wait for his opportunity, which I’m sure will come,” he said.
The report says that PSV Eindhoven are keen to take Jahanbakhsh back to the Eredivisie where he was a star with AZ Alkmaar scoring 22 goals and providing 12 assists in his last season with the club. Potter said that he does not anticipate any departures in the coming days and hinted at a new role for the 26-year-old.
The Seagulls boss is reportedly considering using Jahanbakhsh in an unusual wing-back role and claimed that his work-rate would suit the position.
Potter said: “He’s a bit like Solly (March), in terms of he’s a wide man who works hard for the team and can go back and cover that ground. He brings width, works hard for the team. We’d need to help him of course but, yes, there’s a possibility he can play that role and he can still play higher, of course.”
Potter reiterated that playing Jahanbakhsh just for the sake of it is unproductive and claimed that he will only be played in a position that suits his strengths.
With the Seagulls current setup working incredibly well, the Iranian will find it difficult to come straight into the starting lineup but he will have to make his mark when he is given the chance to have any chance of being a regular at the Amex this season.
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