Lazio defender Wesley Hoedt admits he had to “work hard to adapt” to Serie A after the move from AZ Alkmaar.
The 22-year-old was criticised for some of his performances last season, but has been impressive in his six appearances so far this term.
“I came last year on a free transfer from AZ to Lazio,” Hoedt recalled in an interview with Voetball International.
“There was no investment in the backline and there was pressure for me to play. Now I have almost 40 appearances.
Lazio defender Wesley Hoedt admits he had to “work hard to adapt” to Serie A after the move from AZ Alkmaar.
The 22-year-old was criticised for some of his performances last season, but has been impressive in his six appearances so far this term.
“I came last year on a free transfer from AZ to Lazio,” Hoedt recalled in an interview with Voetball International.
“There was no investment in the backline and there was pressure for me to play. Now I have almost 40 appearances.
“In Serie A players are placed on different levels, it’s not like in the Netherlands where old and young players are put on the same plane. Indeed, often the former is preferred for his potential.
“I had to work hard to adapt, and now I’m proud of my perforances. Football here is politics, you don’t talk about anything else all week.
“In the Netherlands it’s fascinating for 90 minutes, but then it all ends.”