Winger on switching from left to right
- Sam Peplow discusses finding new confidence as a right winger
- Young Terrier enjoying his continued development with Town’s Academy
- Under-19s host Sheffield United on Wednesday afternoon
Huddersfield Town Under-19s winger Sam Peplow has seen significant improvements both in his game and in his confidence since switching positions.
The 18-year-old originally signed for Town as left-back but his athleticism soon saw him deployed as a left winger. However, this season has seen him switch to the right-wing, where he admits he’s become more comfortable.
“The start of the season started off a bit slow for me.
“I don’t think my performances were as good as I’m capable of and then I had an injury.
“Since being back, I feel like I’m making more of an impact in the games and in training. I feel a lot sharper and like I’m capable of doing more than I was at the start of the season.
“I’ve switched to the right-wing and I’m enjoying it, I actually create more chances for myself playing on the right.
“Ever since I made that switch, I’ve felt more confident playing. It’s miles better now because whenever I’m playing left-wing people just know straight away what I’m going to do, I’m not really good with my right foot!”
When speaking to htafc.com Peplow was quick to comment on how he’s found adjusting to Town’s new style of play.
“At the start it was very strange.
“We’ve gone through a lot of phases where there’s been different styles of play and this one, it’s hard work if I’m honest.
“it’s very hard work and it’s only going to get harder once you get to the First Team, but as a 19s group we press well anyway, so when we’re doing the high press and stuff like that we’ve all got it on lock and we all know what we’re doing.
“Now it’s about maintaining that.”
The winger went on to comment on his development over the last 12 months.
“I think I’ve improved a lot.
“One of the main things that I used to get pulled up on was for my reactions and not reacting quickly enough and so I’ve really been working on that.
“When I first arrived here it was a transition. Some of the games we were losing the ball when our opposition were attacking, and my reactions weren’t good.
“That’s one of the things that I feel like personally I’ve got so much better at and so now I need to make sure I keep working on it and keep making sure I’m making those improvements.
“That’s something that I have to do if I want to be up there with the First Team.”
The youngster also took the time to discuss his aims for the remainder of the season.
“I’d like to experience going out on loan and seeing what another different style of play is like, plus hopefully getting the chance to experience men’s football.
“If that doesn’t work out then I’ll continue to make sure I carry on kicking on with the Under-19s and the B Team, whichever game it is, just making sure I do my best and help the team out when I can.
“I know that sometimes I can make a big impact on the game, whether it’s starting the game or coming off the bench, and it’s just maintaining that high standard that I put on myself all the time.”
Sam and his Under-19 teammates are back in action on Wednesday afternoon, when they host Sheffield United at Canalside. You can follow live match updates on Town’s official Academy Twitter; @htafcacademy.
