Graham Potter responds to Gary Lineker's praise for 'exceptional' Yves Bissouma

Bissouma, 24, has been one of Brighton's standout performers this season and the Mali international again impressed this evening, against Everton.

The defensive midfielder has reportedly attracted interest from England's elite clubs, including Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United.

MOTD presenter and former England striker Gary Lineker was also impressed.

"What an exceptional footballer is Yves Bissouma," he wrote on Twitter.

Albion boss Graham Potter was also full of praise for Bissouma's dominant midfield display, which earned him Sky Sports' man of the match award.

"I thought he was really good," he said. "He grew into the game second-half and really drove the game. I thought him and Adam [Lallana] were really positive together. I'm pleased for him."

When asked to give a reason for Bissouma's outstanding form this season, Potter said: "It's lots of things.

"He's tried very hard to understand what we are trying to do as a team. He's been playing in the role often so understands what he has to do.

"Adam plays an important role alongside him as well as Pascal [Gross] and Lewis Dunk behind him. They help him. He's taken his game forward. We knew the quality he had. It's about getting that consistency."

It was another frustrating night in front of goal for an Albion side, which failed to score from any of their 23 shots on goal. However, Potter was keen to focus on the positives from a result which moves them a point closer to Premier League safety.

"I thought we had good intent," he said. "I thought we were the team closer to winning.

"We lacked a bit in the final third in terms of decision making and execution.

"They had four centre-backs centrally with [Mason] Holgate playing in midfield and two full-backs. [Tom] Davies is a bit more of a defensive midfielder and then the had three very talented attacking players.

"It wasn't easy to create clear chances and they defended well when they had to."

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