Under-21s defender Jacob Slater has said that his summer move from Preston North End to Albion has lived up to all of his expectations.
The 19-year-old moved away from his family home in Liverpool for the first time but has been delighted with the progress he has made.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far,” the full-back said. “It was a big adjustment moving away from Liverpool. The lads and the coaches have made me feel really settled and that’s helped me play my game and fit in.
“As a person I think by moving away from home I’ve matured and looking back – even though it was just six months ago – I was just a kid. I’ve got to do more for myself now.
“The move overall has definitely lived up to my expectations. I’ve come on loads both as a player and a person. Hopefully over the rest of the season I can continue to press on and improve.”
Jacob arrived having made three first team appearances for Preston, an experience he is putting to good use here.
“I want it to help me push and get in the first team here because I’ve done it before at Preston, so I know when I am training with the first team what I need to do to impress the manager.
“The first team here is a different level. The times I’ve gone over and trained with the first team, the level of detail the manager goes into is brilliant. The facilities here are top class. For a young footballer, trying to have a career and play in the first team, it’s ideal, isn’t it?
“In my first session I was in a one-on-one with Ansu Fati! The athleticism of a Premier League player is a lot different to anything you can prepare for, but that’s a really good learning experience, those are the types of experiences you want.
“Anytime I can get up to the first team and train is a real bonus.”
The under-21s try to replicate the first team’s playing style under Roberto De Zerbi, which typically sees defenders put under a lot more pressure.
“It’s definitely a different way of playing," Jacob added. "When my dad and I first came down here we couldn’t believe what was going on with the defenders, with them waiting on the ball.
"As you see and learn more, it’s really interesting how important it is to know where everyone is on the pitch.
“Working with Shannon Ruth, Gary Dicker and Mikey Harris [our under-21s coaches], I feel I have improved a lot. The standard of coaching is really high. If you are thrown into a first team session, you can fit in quite quickly.
“The standard in training is really good. We've seen that some of the lads have been able to bridge the gap pretty well because they have an idea of what is expected from them.”
The under-21s are in Premier League 2 action on Saturday when they play Liverpool at the American Express Elite Performance Centre, kick off 4pm.