Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is surprised his captain Lewis Dunk is still at the club.

The Italian paid the ultimate compliment to Dunk, stating that his star defender could easily have moved to a top club in his career.

Dunk will complete 400 games for Brighton when they take on Stoke City in the FA Cup this midweek.

He first started for the team in the 2009-2010 season in a League One game against MK Dons.

Albion boss De Zerbi stated, per The Argus: “For me it's difficult to understand how he has never played for a big team in the Premier League.

“If you ask me what I think about Dunk, I think he's one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League.

“This is my opinion but I know well his potential, his standard of performances."