Brighton midfielder Pascal Gross admits his teammates expected Yves Bissouma to 'take the next step' in his career.
The Mali international made the switch to Tottenham last month.
On Bissouma, Gross told The Argus: "It was to be expected that he would take the next step.
"He is a super central midfield player and also a great person.
"We have to absorb this collectively."
Gross recently re-signed on a two-year deal and is expecting tough competition for places despite Bissouma's exit.
He added: "That is normal. We know how much we appreciate each other, nobody gets something like a guarantee of commitment anyway, and I don't want that either.
"If you sit outside, that sometimes has something to do with the opponent and what type of player he (Potter) needs.
"It is important that he sees me on the pitch and also outside as a support."
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