Thomas Frank has praised new Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and is aware of the Seagulls' quality ahead of our clash on Friday night.

De Zerbi was named as Graham Potter's replacement last month and Frank believes it won't be long before he puts his own identity on an already talented squad.

“We’ve looked at his first two games and then we look more at the manager," Frank said.

“I think he did a great job at Sassuolo, he also did fine at Shakhtar, but Sassuolo is where he did most of his good work.

“He inherits a good squad, a well-drilled team, and now he needs to put his own ideas in. I think it’s an interesting signing for the Premier League.

“We know what Brighton will come with. They’ll try to dominate possession, try to be flexible - we need to be able to close that down.”

When asked how it would be for De Zerbi going into a team that has started the season so well, Frank added: “You would imagine that the Brighton owner and board have done their homework, I’m convinced that they have.

“They’ve shown that over the years that they’re running a good football business. They have hired him because of his trademarks, in terms of also wanting to play progressive, possession-based football.

“In some ways, it must be quite nice coming into a well-run machine, he can just maybe try and keep most of that running well and then, over time, add a bit of his ideas because no coach is the same. We all have bits that are important to us.”

This week, Brighton midfielder Enock Mwepu was forced to retire after being diagnosed with a hereditary heart condition.

And Frank said it is good news that they found the problem at an early stage, with the 24-year-old's health the priority.

“It’s devastating. I know it’s probably not his preferred option, he wants to be a footballer. I don’t know him but, if you’re a footballer at your best age, you want to play football," Frank said.

“I know it’s hard but, on the flip side, the worst-case scenario, we experienced here at the club with Rob [Rowan]. They weren’t aware enough of the heart condition.

“For [Mwepu], it’s fantastic they found out because football is one thing - it’s a beautiful sport and it makes a lot of people happy - but the most important things are to family, friends and having a good life.”