The 25-year-old had started 59 of the previous 60 Premier League games for Albion, nailing down the number one spot and earning a call-up the Spanish national squad.
However, De Zerbi decided to hand the gloves to Jason Steele for his first Premier League start this season.
The 32-year-old had been Brighton’ reliable cup goalkeeper for the past three seasons, but may now be given a chance as the first-choice keeper, after De Zerbi claimed he was more suited to the Italian’s style of play.
De Zerbi said: “You have to be honest and clear and Jason now is playing better than Robert.
“Robert is playing well but Jason was fantastic in build-up, for example, in my style.Maybe he is closer than Roberto to my style. But I think Robert can work to arrive at the same level.
“Okay, there are different characteristics, I understand, but Robert is a good guy and I think he will want to improve in this aspect.”
This got us thinking about famous goalkeeping pairs that had represented Premier League clubs down the years.
Here is a selection of some of the best rivalries for the number one jersey….
The 32-year-old had been Brighton’ reliable cup goalkeeper for the past three seasons, but may now be given a chance as the first-choice keeper, after De Zerbi claimed he was more suited to the Italian’s style of play.