Blackburn Rovers v Huddersfield Town: Winger Rajiv van la Parra so quick to make transformation

RAJIV VAN LA PARRA admits to having settled into life at Huddersfield quicker than expected.

The 24-year-old Dutch-born winger joined the Terriers on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers last month. A permanent deal that will see van la Parra sign a three-year contract this summer has also been agreed.

Van la Parra’s home debut against Hull City has made the Holland Under-21s international the talk of Town fans this week, not least because of how contrasting it had been to his first appearance for the club three weeks earlier at Leeds United.

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Having done little of note during the opening 45 minutes at Elland Road, van la Parra was substituted at the break by David Wagner and his replacement, Harry Bunn, went on to play a big part in Huddersfield’s 4-1 victory.

Three weeks of intensive training and a chance to familiarise himself with the gegenpressing system employed by Wagner helped the turnaround in fortunes, according to van la Parra.

“The move has been easier than I expected,” said the winger. “Everyone at Huddersfield Town has made me feel really welcome.

“It has been easy. The head coach explains exactly what he wants from a player, which is great. The way we train has improved my fitness.

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“It makes it easier on the pitch with so many creative players, because you get the ball a lot. The way we play suits us.”

Van la Parra, substituted in the final quarter against Hull after tiring, seems certain to start today as Town look to claim a first victory at Ewood Park in almost 30 years and nine visits.

Wagner added: “We have a lot of respect for Blackburn. The team is very strong from set pieces and has a good home record.

“We have to be focused on ourselves, but we also have to know what they do well so we can try and get the three points.”