Former Brighton scout Mark Anderson has lifted the lid on discovering Seagulls goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

The Spaniard made his Premier League debut in defeat to Tottenham earlier this week.

Anderson, now with Manchester United, told the Argus: “Brighton were preparing for the Premier League.

“We built a new network of scouts and put some systematic coverage in place because we wanted to be Premier League ready for when they got there.

“Rightly so, because it worked.

“We were quite a way in front of some other clubs who don't prepare and then, when they go up, it's a mad rush.

“Through my contacts I was watching Levante youth. I'm sure it was against Cartagena.

“There was a player who had been flagged up to me but it was Robert who caught my eye during the game.

“The player I went to watch has done okay but Robert just stood out.

“He was a great shape and size, good physique, athletic.

“He had two fantastic feet. You couldn't really tell whether he was left-footed or right-footed.

“His kicking was pinpoint, he had loads of confidence and you could tell he had some character about him as well. I was over there for the weekend and I watched him and liked him.

“My contact there made some enquiries and we managed to do a deal with Levante.

“We didn't sign him until he was 17. He was very cheap even then and especially compared to what you pay for young players now."