Fresh from returning to Adelaide United on loan from Brentford FC for the remainder of the season, Lachlan Brook detailed what he has learned in his time abroad and what he hopes to provide the Reds.
Brook departed for the Bees in October 2020 and now re-joins his hometown club in search of regular playing time against senior competition.
The 20-year-old admitted the experience in England with a top-flight club has been incredible.
“It was really good,” Brook told reporters at a press conference on Thursday.
“Obviously when they got promoted it was massive, a really good thing for the Club.
“In terms of myself, it makes it obviously a lot more difficult, bringing in players and obviously players that were out on loan and staying and having a bigger squad.
“But being part of a team that’s in the Premier League at any level is really exciting, did learn a lot of things training with Premier League players and hopefully I can those experiences and learnings and bring them back here and apply it.”
During his time with the West London-based outfit, Brook admitted the biggest takeaway he has learned has been the knowledge of the game.
“I think when you go overseas especially in England, the pace of the game is probably one of the fastest in the world – the physicality as well,” he said.
“So I think if anything maybe just understanding the game. I’m only young as well so that’s something that I’ve got a lot of time to work on.”
However, despite playing regularly with the B side but unable to break through into the Premier League squad, the dynamic attacker believed the time was right to return to Adelaide in order to get professional minutes against men.
“For me it was no brainer to come home,” he said.
“… We’ve seen throughout the last couple of years especially, youngsters really proving themselves and playing games here and going on to do really good things.
“So I think if I can do well here it’s a really good step.
“… I just want to do as best as I can and help out the Club and obviously I’ll be developing myself in the meantime as well.”
Following discussions with Carl Veart, Brook said he will be utilised either as a right winger or as an attacking midfielder.
“I think obviously with Ben (Halloran) leaving it sort of leaves that hole on the right wing area which is obviously the position I do play,” he explained.
“But I can operate centrally as well, so I think for me it will be either one of those two (positions).”
Match details:
Saturday, 15 January vs Melbourne City
Isuzu UTE A-League 2021/22 – Matchweek 10
Kick-off 7.15pm ACDT
Venue: Coopers Stadium
Broadcast: Channel 10
Stream: Paramount+
