The Cameroon midfielder was recalled for the game, which Brighton won 3-0 on a night that ultimately cost Liam Rosenior his manager's job at Chelsea.
Hurzeler said: “Yasin (Ayari) played a good game against Tottenham in this position. Carlos had to be patient but what I see in Carlos is a player who has something we don’t have in our squad.
A lot of physicality, a lot of dominance and, if he plays on his highest level, then he is a key player for us. I was also reminded of the Carlos from last season.
“Physicality, very present, simple football, staying alive all the time. I am really happy to see hm like this because we always see the player, Carlos, but we don’t see the person behind Carlos.
“He is still a very young player.
“He has had a few lows and highs and we try to give him the environment where he can be secure. An environment where he can make mistakes and we are always there to push him.”