Bruno is convinced he can strike up another profitable right-sided double act with a bright young winger who has lots to learn.
But Albion’s vastly experienced defender admits Solly March will be a big loss to the promotion push.
Rajiv van La Parra could make his first home start for the Seagulls in the table-topping showdown with Middlesbrough today.
That would mean a head-to-head with George Friend, the former Wolves player rated by many on Teesside as the best left-back in the Championship.
But Bruno believes the winger on a month’s loan from Molineux has the raw talent to trouble teams.
The right-back is better placed than anyone to judge the work of wing talents like van La Parra and March. And he is is doing what he can to make sure their potential is well-directed.
Van La Parra has scored in successive away games and Bruno said: “He has adapted very quickly. He is bringing us a lot.
Solly March scores against MK Dons. Picture by Liz Finlayson
“An assist, a couple of goals, he is one of those players who is contributing a lot. James Wilson as well.
“They are young players. You can see Raj has to learn from experience what to do in certain situations.
“But it is pretty obvious the potential he has is enormous. We hope we can make the most of it for a long time.
“I always try and help younger players with my experience and I believe I’ve struck up a good relationship with him.”
Van La Parra’s arrival was somewhat overshadowed by the capture of Wilson at about the same time.
But he has grabbed a chance to shine after a frustrating start to the season in Old Gold.
The Dutchman slipped behind James Henry in the pecking order down the Wolves right while Kenny Jackett was trying him in a central role in pre-season.
Then Nathan Byrne arrived at Molineux while van La Parra was being lined up for a move to Leeds which collapsed just before deadline.
Those who watched him in the Black Country tell a similar tale to what you might hear from Albion fans in that he is a fast, raw talent who can both excite and frustrate.
But the report from Molineux changes when he is referred to as one-dimensional.
He has done a bit more than his trademark run down the outside and low cross in games at Derby and QPR, particularly in the second half at Loftus Road.
Perhaps the biggest test awaits today. He has played twice against Middlesbrough already this season – up front in the Capital One Cup and out wide in the Championship – and done very little.
But he has done his chances of extending his one-month loan, or even securing something permanent, no harm so far and March’s injury also changes the context of his loan stint.
Could Bruno be the influence to help add maturity to van La Parra’s game?
The 35-year-old is not taking credit for it himself but the M word soon crops up in conversation when asked how he feels March progressed this season.
As well as partnering him for the Seagulls, Bruno was also a very interested observer a few rows back in the southern half of the West Lower when March, pictured left, started for England under-21s at the Amex recently.
Asked the same question, midfielder Dale Stephens put a different slant on where March has made strides.
He said: “Adding goals makes a lot of difference. He gets a lot of attention for the goals he has scored. He has come of age.”
What happens down the Albion right for the second half of the season will become clearer in January.
But the chance is there for van La Parra to stake a claim.
The process is already under way.
Original article
But Albion’s vastly experienced defender admits Solly March will be a big loss to the promotion push.
Rajiv van La Parra could make his first home start for the Seagulls in the table-topping showdown with Middlesbrough today.
That would mean a head-to-head with George Friend, the former Wolves player rated by many on Teesside as the best left-back in the Championship.
But Bruno believes the winger on a month’s loan from Molineux has the raw talent to trouble teams.
The right-back is better placed than anyone to judge the work of wing talents like van La Parra and March. And he is is doing what he can to make sure their potential is well-directed.
Van La Parra has scored in successive away games and Bruno said: “He has adapted very quickly. He is bringing us a lot.
Solly March scores against MK Dons. Picture by Liz Finlayson
“An assist, a couple of goals, he is one of those players who is contributing a lot. James Wilson as well.
“They are young players. You can see Raj has to learn from experience what to do in certain situations.
“But it is pretty obvious the potential he has is enormous. We hope we can make the most of it for a long time.
“I always try and help younger players with my experience and I believe I’ve struck up a good relationship with him.”
Van La Parra’s arrival was somewhat overshadowed by the capture of Wilson at about the same time.
But he has grabbed a chance to shine after a frustrating start to the season in Old Gold.
The Dutchman slipped behind James Henry in the pecking order down the Wolves right while Kenny Jackett was trying him in a central role in pre-season.
Then Nathan Byrne arrived at Molineux while van La Parra was being lined up for a move to Leeds which collapsed just before deadline.
Those who watched him in the Black Country tell a similar tale to what you might hear from Albion fans in that he is a fast, raw talent who can both excite and frustrate.
But the report from Molineux changes when he is referred to as one-dimensional.
He has done a bit more than his trademark run down the outside and low cross in games at Derby and QPR, particularly in the second half at Loftus Road.
Perhaps the biggest test awaits today. He has played twice against Middlesbrough already this season – up front in the Capital One Cup and out wide in the Championship – and done very little.
But he has done his chances of extending his one-month loan, or even securing something permanent, no harm so far and March’s injury also changes the context of his loan stint.
Could Bruno be the influence to help add maturity to van La Parra’s game?
The 35-year-old is not taking credit for it himself but the M word soon crops up in conversation when asked how he feels March progressed this season.
As well as partnering him for the Seagulls, Bruno was also a very interested observer a few rows back in the southern half of the West Lower when March, pictured left, started for England under-21s at the Amex recently.
- Bruno: Solly matured this season - and Rajiv has real potential too
- Van La Parra's future still up on the air
- Stephens: Let's get on the front foot
- Calderon: We've all got a part to play
- Hughton: Let's keep this a fortress
Asked the same question, midfielder Dale Stephens put a different slant on where March has made strides.
He said: “Adding goals makes a lot of difference. He gets a lot of attention for the goals he has scored. He has come of age.”
What happens down the Albion right for the second half of the season will become clearer in January.
But the chance is there for van La Parra to stake a claim.
The process is already under way.
Original article