Defender played in latest Under-19s game
- Luke Daley discusses playing centre-back
- Defender on importance of versatility as a footballer
- Young Terrier pleased with deserved win against Manchester City
Huddersfield Town Under-19s defender Luke Daley spoke of the benefits that he has gained from playing at centre-back after the victory over Manchester City’s Academy on Tuesday evening.
Daley put in an astute performance in a back four which helped to limit a possession-heavy City.
The 18-year-old discussed how he feels being competent to cover a range of positions – being able to play centre-half, left-back and left-wing back over this season – and how it is aiding his development.
“I think it was just a steady performance from myself.
“Obviously at centre-back, I don’t play there that often - I’m naturally a left-back - but it helps my defensive side and keeps me focused on the game, which will help me when I go back to left-back.
“It’s about bringing the experience from that to make me stronger in one position.
“I think my ability to get up and down [the wing] is effective, so even in those three positions, I think I cope well and recover well.
“I think versatility is important because you have to play in different positions; if the side is short or someone is injured then you’re able to cover and I think that is something good in my game that I can do.”
Daley played an important role in the Under-19s’ 4-3 victory over Manchester City at the City Football Academy.
He praised the side’s mentality to not switch off or dwell on conceding to stay in the game and, eventually, come away with a deserved win.
“I think we played really; we matched them, pressed well, and then took our chances when we could.
“The message was to just get after them and, even though they were good on the ball, I think we pressed them well, which we normally do well, so it was good and effective.
“I think, overall, we deserved the win.
“They did get back into it, but we remained focused and we kept going until the end and got the last-minute goal.
“Our mentality is to keep going, whether we go one-nil down or two-nil down, it is to keep pushing and keep that concentration which, with the good players we’ve got, we can do that most games and win.”
