Huddersfield Town v QPR - Ajax prospect happy to learn trade with Terriers

Carel Eiting is a graduate of Ajax’s world-famous academy but is now enjoying a fast-track course in English football on loan at Huddersfield Town.
Making his mark: Huddersfield's 
Carel Eiting. Picture: James HardistyMaking his mark: Huddersfield's 
Carel Eiting. Picture: James Hardisty
Making his mark: Huddersfield's Carel Eiting. Picture: James Hardisty

The midfielder joined in October, missing the pre-season classes in coach Carlos Corberan’s footballing principles but fortunately he enjoys learning. Just as well with so many new things for the Dutchman to adapt to.

His next lesson comes at home to Queens Park Rangers this afternoon.

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“The most important thing is your mindset,” says the 22-year-old of the process. “I knew I was coming into a completely different environment so I needed to adapt and not just do my own thing but try to learn and understand what everybody wants from me. I think that was the biggest thing I did well here.

“It was hard in the beginning but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and that’s also important.

“I was just happy to be here and play matches and if you’re happy, everything will be fine.

“I think it made it easier there having been so many matches, I’m happy when I play, I can show what I can do and everything is normal after that. I felt comfortable the first second I came on the field because I’ve been playing for 16 years, there are just things Carlos wanted me to develop.

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“I think I’m doing great now but at the end of the year Carlos wants me to change and develop things again so I will never be done with that.

“With Huddersfield we try to create chances and win it back as soon as possible, so that’s similar to Ajax. That’s one of the reasons I chose to come here. It’s a really good way to learn English football.

“I really enjoy playing abroad because you learn different styles, different aspects of the game and a different environment and culture outside of the game. Outside the house, I’ve learnt a little bit less (due to Covid-19 restrictions) but talking to the people around the club you learn new ways and new ways of looking at things.”

With so little time between matches, much of the work is done in the classroom as Huddersfield watch two or three videos of each opponent.

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Corberan, who will be without centre-back Richard Stearman for “a minimum of a couple of months” has been pleased at how receptive his players are.

“I’m very happy with the mentality of the players to keep their concentration when they are analysing videos, which we have to do more because we have less time on the training pitch because there’s recovery days,” said the Spaniard.

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