Huddersfield Town's Ilias Bronkhorst on 'small brother' Derensili Sanches Fernandes - and their secret weapon

The word is out regarding the Dutch duo's talents, but their secret weapon remains - namely their mother tongue, which will continue be used to their advantage, according to Bronkhorst.

He said: "I can tell him (Fernandes) everything (tactically) on the pitch.

"I think the opponents have no idea what I'm saying. When I do a 'one-two' (with home), I can say it in Dutch or (with) something else and they don't know what we're going to do. I think it's a benefit for both of us."

In truth, the on-pitch conversations between the pair, who both arrived in the summer window from Eredivisie outfit Excelsior, are not lengthy with both having emphatically showed that actions speak louder than words.

On whether he chats much with Fernandes, who is his junior by four-and-a-half years, Bronkhorst continued: "I don't think he needs it (much), but I think maybe it's 10 per cent extra I give him.

"He's like my small brother. We have a good connection and a good friendship.

"He really works hard on the pitch, also in his defensive work. So I think I can just give him a little bit more boost, but he's already doing it for himself."

Fernandes' express start to his career in England culminated in a recent maiden call-up from World Cup sensations Cape Verde.

Bronkhorst and the majority of his Terriers teammates are currently afforded a pause during the international hiatus following a superb opening third of the league campaign.

For Bronkhorst, his decision to plump for Huddersfield in the summer has been thoroughly vindicated.

The right-back, 29, said: "I spoke with multiple clubs, including some in this competition. I had a few calls with them and I think Huddersfield was for me.

"They also give me the best feeling and I'm a person who cares about the feeling."