Krisztian Hegyi has said the biggest difference between the senior side and Under-21s is the minute details in preparation.
The West Ham United third-choice goalkeeper has made the leap this season, spending more time with the first team while juggling his U21 responsibilities where he is captain.
Though he's yet to make his debut for David Moyes' side, he has travelled with the squad for UEFA Europa Conference League fixtures as well as being named on the bench in three Premier League games against Newcastle United, Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion.
READ MORE: West Ham Under-18s Premier League South title on hold following Fulham vs West Brom result
Opening up on the experience so far, the 20-year-old admitted that while the routines are similar, the level of detail that goes into first-team training is something he had to get used to.
“Getting those experiences has been huge,” Hegyi said while speaking to the club's website. “As a young ‘keeper, to get that chance – one that has come sooner than I thought it would – has been really good. I’m just trying to take it all in, enjoy every single day and learn from each experience.
“The routine is similar in a lot of ways to what we’re used to at U21s level, but the level of preparation in the first team is a lot more specific. The details are more minute. That’s the biggest difference, but I feel very lucky.”
Hegyi is still playing for the U21 side, where he is the current captain, though he spends most weeks training alongside Lukasz Fabianski and Alphonse Areola - the two senior shotstoppers.
While he has missed working alongside the younger group, the Hungarian has said he has learned a lot from working alongside and watching the aforementioned duo.
“Since the summer, I’ve been training with the first team a lot and I feel really good about it,” he continued. “Of course, I do miss the U21s changing room sometimes and being with that group, but I’m really enjoying the first team environment. I have learned a lot since working with this group.
“Watching players like Lukasz and Alphonse, being around them every day and seeing how high their standards are even in training, it’s so good. I watch them when we train together and on matchdays. Mentally, they’ve helped me to focus up on matchdays too. Things like how they react to different situations is huge, so it’s great to learn from them.”
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