Sunderland boss Gus Poyet was happy with Ricky Alvarez's debut in their draw with Tottenham.
Poyet believes the experience of playing against a Spurs side which finished sixth last season will have given the Argentina international a reminder of the standard required in the Premier League.
Poyet said: "The first thing I said to Ricky was 'welcome to the Premier League', because this is what it is like week-in week-out'.
"The pace, the intensity, the tackling and the up and downs mean it is non-stop and people don't realise that from the outside.
"They think football is 11 against 11 on a pitch but it is a totally different game in England.
"It depends on our team, how we play and how he adapts to us.
"We also need to adapt to him but he needs to get used to the Premier League.
"I am sure he is going to enjoy his time here with us and Saturday will bring plenty of positives."
