Winger can’t wait for the new season to begin
- Rajiv van La Parra reviews his first months at HTAFC- Winger praises Town fans for their support
- Dutchman believes team can perform 'to a higher level'
Rajiv van La Parra is loving life at Huddersfield Town – and can’t wait for the 2016/17 Sky Bet Championship season to begin!
The 24 year-old winger showed plenty to excite Town fans in his first eight appearances for the Club ahead of his permanent summer move from Wolves and told htafc.com that his first few months in West Yorkshire have been more than he hoped for.
“It’s gone really well! I like the game we play and I’ve had a really good time on the pitch.
“I’m really happy with my choice to play for Huddersfield. Hopefully I can have a really good season for myself and the team.”
One of the big factors behind the Dutchman’s delight has been the reaction he’s had from the Town faithful.
Rajiv explained: “I think the Head Coach and the players have really helped me to settle into the team, but I think most importantly the fans have appreciated what I’ve tried to do on the pitch.
“Even when you don’t have a good game, they are still behind you and I’m really happy about that; it says a lot about the fans of Huddersfield. It gives me more motivation to do my best on the pitch for them.
“Hopefully, next season, I can have a really good time with them and they will enjoy my performances for Huddersfield.”
After taking time to become acclimatised to David Wagner’s demands, van La Parra’s highlight-reel performance in the 2-2 home draw with Hull City on his home debut announced his arrival with supporters.
He admitted: “It was a really good game for myself and I think for the team as well. I was really happy with my performance, because I wanted to show the fans what I’m capable of. It’s important they enjoy what they see and I was happy with that; it took a lot of pressure off my shoulders.”
Rajiv explained that the difference in David Wagner’s ‘Terrier Identity’ compared with the normal style of football in England should not be underestimated:
“I’m happy that I came earlier, because now I already know what the Head Coach expects from me next season. I can build on what I’ve begun at the end of last season.
“What the Head Coach wants is really different. For any player who comes and joins the team who has not played this style, it can be a little bit difficult. I didn’t expect to need so much time to get settled in the style, but he expects you to bring a lot of intensity to the game.
“Now we are used to it, you will see a big difference. We will step up our game, which is a good thing.”
Although the former Heerenveen winger is enjoying life at Town, he knows the players are in for a tough time when they report back for pre-season on 24 June!
“I already know that pre-season is going to be really hard, but it is going to be important to have a good one. In England you have no winter break, so it is an important time to get ready. At the end, we will profit from a tough time!”
Rajiv hopes all that work will come to fruition when the new Sky Bet Championship campaign gets under way on 6 August.
“I’m really excited; for me, the season cannot begin early enough! I’m looking forward to it.
“Last season, I saw what we are capable of and how we can play. At times we did really well and I was really impressed.
“I think that, combined with some new players, means we can make things happen next season. We have the belief that we can and I think the fans believe it too, which is important. That will help us to reach a higher level on the pitch.”
Watch Rajiv in action for Town with a #WagnerRevolution Season Card; just £179 adults!
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