Midfielder speaks ahead of U19 friendly at Golcar
- Ernaldo Krasniqi on his Albania U19 experience
- Midfielder has big plans for the 2021/22 season
- Under-19s play their first pre-season friendly on Tuesday 13 July 2021
Huddersfield Town Under-19 midfielder Ernaldo Krasniqi has big plans for his 2021/22 season following his recent call-up to Albania’s U19 squad.
The 18-year-old earnt his first two caps last month, playing in a pair of friendlies against Kosovo. Krasniqi was one of only a handful of players to play the full 180 minutes across both games, an experience he admits will be tough to beat.
“I was very happy when I got my call-up! It was such a proud moment for me and my family.
“To be able to go back home, after not being able to for such a long time, and perform for my country – I don’t think there’s a better feeling like that.
“There were a few similarities to Town in the style of play.
“I played as a centre back in both games, which I’ve done before at Huddersfield, so I was able to put that experience into those matches.
“We lost the first match, but made up for it in the second match by winning 3-0, plus I got an assist!
On his return to Huddersfield, Ernaldo linked up with his Under-19 teammates to hit the ground running in pre-season training.
“For me personally pre-season has been going well.
“I feel like as a team it’s been good so far too.
“It’s been hard, but that’s how it should be.
“The off-season is always a bit strange.
“Although it was nice to be away for a while, I was still really eager to get back at it.”
The youngster also took the time to reflect on what he achieved last season, and what he hopes to get out of the 2021/22 campaign.
“I feel like I had a good season last season.
“I scored a lot of goals, we were winning matches, it was all very positive.
“This season I want to continue my development and get as many minutes as possible.
“I’d like to make appearances with the B Team and aim for the First Team too.”
Town's Under-19s play their first pre-season friendly on Tuesday 13 July 2021, when they travel to play Golcar United; 7.30pm kick-off.
Live match updates will be available via our official Academy Twitter; @htafcacademy.
