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After playing a key role for both the U18s and Development Squad last year, Alex Smith has impressed many with his First Team contributions this pre-season.
The 18-year-old is highly regarded; captaining the U18s to the Quarter-Final of the FA Youth Cup and showing maturity beyond his tender years in Billy McKinlay’s second string.
Now in his seventh season at the Club, Smith has featured in all four of Fulham’s pre-season fixtures and demonstrated a keen ability to learn and develop.
He told Fulhamfc.com: “I’ve just been trying to impress, work as hard as I can and show that I want to improve as a player. Having been part of the First Team squad for pre-season it was important that I made the most of that opportunity.
“I was part of the first game against Brentford, and then it has just progressed with Bournemouth and the two games in Sweden following.
“It’s been a big step up for me, but I think I have coped with the challenge relatively well.”
A technically astute player, Smith can operate in the centre of midfield and anywhere down the left flank. Having improved his physical strength, the youngster certainly hasn’t looked out of place.
“I have been given the chance to show what I can do, and I think I have done that,” he said. “When I’ve come on I have tried to keep things simple, to keep my shape and to offer support and cover to those around me.
“There are a couple more pre-season games that I would like to be part of, so fingers crossed. But so far it has been a great experience for me, especially in terms of getting to know the senior players.
“The trip to Sweden was particularly beneficial as I got to spend 10 days with them. That was a fantastic chance to follow their lead and observe them on and off the pitch.
“It’s just been about following their example in how they prepare and conduct themselves. It was such a worthwhile experience.
“The staff and players have been very encouraging and I can take a lot from that. Paul Konchesky and Damien Duff have been particularly good, as I tend to play either at left-back or on the left of midfield – positions they know well.
“It has been testing; it’s a tough stage of the season. As I have said, it’s a step up as I have been working towards the levels and standards of a Premier League footballer. But it has been good for me.”
The Croydon-born youngster has been given a taste of what will hopefully be a feature of the future.
“It’s been great to be involved, but I can’t get ahead of myself,” he said. “I don’t feel I need to be thinking about First Team football at this moment in time because there is a lot of hard work ahead of me.
“Of course, it’s been a big boost and I think I have shown that the potential is there – now it’s all about keeping my head down and seeing what comes of that.
“I’m very much looking at the season ahead with the Development Squad and looking to improve in every way I can as a player. But it’s certainly an exciting challenge.”