Brighton and Hove Albion defender Joel Veltman has insisted he can accept the increased competition in the squad these days, although it is frustrating for him.
The full-back has been speaking to Viaplay in the Netherlands regarding the situation at Brighton after another busy summer transfer window for the Seagulls.
As well as outgoings there have been several incomings, including the arrival of veteran James Milner to provide further competition in the full-back areas.
That means Veltman faces increased competition in the right-back spot as he now has to compete with Milner and Lamptey for the right-back position.
That’s already been seen as Roberto de Zerbi has started him just once in their four Premier League games so far in the 3-1 win over Newcastle.
That is already a big change for a player who started 25 of 33 Premier League games for Brighton last season and was a key part of their success.
He now admits it has led to some frustration early on, but he is willing to accept the new status quo having listened to comments from manager Roberto de Zerbi.
“It is more difficult to fight for a starting position,” he said, relayed by Voetbal International.
“We have very good full backs in that position with Lamptey, Milner and myself. So you have to fight for your place every match.
“Of course that frustrates you. I’m feeling good and as a player you just want to play every match. It’s probably not the case that you’re going to play fifty to sixty games.
“You also know that there are still many matches to come. The trainer has also indicated at the press conferences that it depends on the opponent who he lines up. And you can’t play every match, so I accept that.”
