EKDAL ADAPTING TO TURF LIFE

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Swedish defender enjoying start of Clarets chapter

2023-02-16T14:15:27.509Z

EKDAL ADAPTING TO TURF LIFE

Swedish defender enjoying start of Clarets chapter

2023-02-16T14:15:27.509Z

Swedish defender enjoying start of Clarets chapter

Hjalmar Ekdal admits he is settling perfectly into life at Turf Moor after joining the Clarets from Swedish side Djurgardens IF last month.

The 24-year-old was handed his full Burnley debut at Carrow Road against Norwich City, scoring the third goal and helping his side secure a clean sheet in the 3-0 win over the canaries

Ekdal then featured in the following Sky Bet Championship victory over Preston at Turf Moor before putting in a man-of-the-match display against Watford earlier this week.

Speaking to the media on Thursday ahead of Luton, Ekdal said: “I really like it so far. It’s tough, the intensity of games and training too is much higher and quicker.

“It’s new but I feel like I’m adapting quickly to life here. I have played three games now where I think I’ve done well.

“There were options over time for me, but Burnley was by far the most exciting option and next step for me to take."

Ekdal has slotted into the centre of defence alongside Jordan Beyer and the Swede has plenty of praise for his teammate.

“He’s a really good defender, he has helped me out with the positioning and it’s always safe to play with a player like Jordan, he’s been really useful."

The central-defender believes he is in the best place to learn and develop as a player and discusses the role manager Vincent Kompany has.

“I can be a better player because of the schooling I get here. You learn stuff everyday and he (Kompany) talks to me about things I had not heard of before.

“It’s really helpful for me and I’m certainly going to develop as a player here under his guidance." Said Ekdal.