Josh Okpolokpo on his development at Huddersfield Town
- Young defender Josh Okpolokpo on how his playing style has developed
- Youngster discusses the benefit of playing against older players
- Under-17s take on Chesterfield on Saturday in the Youth Alliance League
Huddersfield Under-17 defender Josh Okpolokpo believes he has improved a lot since moving to West Yorkshire in the summer.
Okpolokpo used to be a part of the Academy at Ipswich Town before moving to Huddersfield Town during the summer to join Town’s Under-17 setup.
Since that point the youngster has been learning the Club’s style of play, whilst working on specifics in his own game. Josh was quick to comment on how he’s developed since his arrival.
“When I first arrived my problem was being on the ball, so to help that I’ve been working on playing out from the back, looking at different types of passes and ranges of passes and stepping in with the ball to create a new picture for myself. I’ve seen myself improve a lot since I’ve been here.
“I’ve been in the gym every day, so I’ve been getting stronger; that’s proven to be a big asset for me.
“I’ve been able to push off the strikers or get into a one vs one battle with the older players which is really helping me.”
Some of the Under-18s have stepped down to feature for the Under-17 side during the 2019/20 campaign, something that Josh has found really beneficial.
“I find playing the older players a lot more difficult as they’re a lot quicker and they’re more experienced and stronger. I have to think more quickly and play the ball a lot faster.
“It’s helpful for me and it’s also brought a lot of confidence to my game knowing that I can play with older players and not just players my age.”
The youngster was also quick to praise the teachings of Under-17 Coach Jon Worthington, who has worked tirelessly with the youngsters since they joined.
“He’s been really good for me. He’s the one who told me the areas that I need to work on, has given me sessions to do and explained things that I can do to improve in specific situations.
“I can see that there’s a difference and that I’m affecting the game a lot more than I usually am as I’m creating more attacks and starting counter attacks as well.”
Josh Okpolokpo and his Under-17 teammates host Chesterfield in the EFL Youth Alliance League on Saturday, with the 11am kick-off taking place at PPG Canalside.
If you want to support the youngsters, you can watch the game for free!
Thank you to Steve Hope and Scunthorpe United for the picture of Josh used above.
