Midfielder featured in latest B Team game against West Brom
- Josh Austerfield on benefits of playing Premier League side
- Midfielder discussed the opportunity to play at a stadium
- Young Terrier keen to develop in new position
Josh Austerfield explained the benefits of playing against a strong side as Huddersfield Town’s B Team lost 3-1 to West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns.
Austerfield produced a resolute display against the Premier League side, containing many of the Baggies’ starting XI.
He believes that playing against this calibre of players can show the younger lads how much work they need to put in to get to that level.
“I thought we did really well; they’re a strong team and it was a good test, especially for us youngsters to go up against such a good side,” said Austerfield.
“I thought we did well out of possession, and we should have scored more with the chances we created.
“We didn’t look too much at them. We wanted to concentrate on ourselves, but we knew that they were going to be a good team, so we had to be ready for the test.
“You want to play against better players; it makes you want to play better and that’s the level that you want to reach.
“I feel like if you don’t put yourself up against these types of players, then you will not know the level that you need to get to.
“It was a great experience and we don’t often get to play at stadiums, so when we do, you want to take that opportunity, put in a good shift, and produce a good performance – I think we did that today.”
Austerfield showed his versatility by switching between playing in defensive midfield and filling in at centre-half as part of a back three.
The 19-year-old spoke about how he wants to develop in a new position, as well as the benefits of playing alongside First Team defender Tommy Elphick – who played more minutes as he continues his return from injury.
“I thought I put myself about and, at times, I thought I could have been better in possession, but that is for me to learn and take into next week.
“I want to work on playing as that right-sided centre-half; I have played centrally a few times, so I’ll try and add that to my game.
“When I’m on the ball, I need to make sure I’m more aware and get the ball forward more.
“It’s important to have that versatility about yourself because if I get another opportunity in the First Team, then I’ll be expected to play in different positions, so I need to gain confidence in every position I can.
“It is a massive help having Tommy Elphick there; he speaks all the time; he’ll tell you when you need to be told and he’ll tell you when you’re playing well.
“He gives you that extra confidence that you need as a young player to play better with the older players.”
