Brighton and Hove Albion youngster Steven Alzate has admitted his surprise at his call up by Colombia for this international break.
The 21-year-old only made his debut for Brighton back in September, with Graham Potter handing him a surprise starting role in the 0-0 draw with Newcastle United.
He’s since established himself as a fully-fledged member of the Seagulls first-team squad since, making ten appearances in all competitions to date.
Seven of those have in the Premier League, with him starting six of the eight squads he’s been a part of so far.
His performances have earned rave reviews from Brighton fans and pundits alike, with many impressed by what the Colombian has added to the side.
The praise has seemingly spread back to Colombia too, with Los Cafeteros boss Carlos Queiroz naming him as part of the squad to take on Peru and Ecuador over the international break.
The call-up certainly came as a surprise to Alzate, who admits it is an opportunity he didn’t’ see coming.
“I didn’t expect it so soon, I’ve played the last matches, and I’ve been talking to (Arturo) Reyes,” ESPN Colombia report him saying.
“He says that I’m doing very well. Then I realised that I was on the list of the majors.
“This time, they called me for the seniors, but I do not care to play what level I play with, it is an honour to play with Colombia.”
The footballer was born in Camden to Colombian parents, and is happy to be showing others what is possible.
“It’s an opportunity not only for me but for Colombian players born in other countries. It’s making history.”
