The Seagulls head coach spoke for the first time since his club agreed a British record £111 million fee with Liverpool for Moises Caicedo.
Roberto De Zerbi said: “James Milner is still a top player. (Mahmoud) Dahoud last year did not play so many games but he is a top, top, top player. Maybe he needs much time to come inside in idea and condition but he is a top player for us, for our level. Joao Pedro is a potential crack. (Simon) Adingra is one attacker, one winger more and he will be very important for us because we will play more or less 60 games and we need a stronger squad. Igor is a good player. Like Dahoud he needs much time because his position is crucial for us. The centre-back can touch 100 balls per game. But we have not finished yet the transfer market. I think we are building a very, very good team”