Duffus: Change of mentality behind good start to season

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Striker has got off to good start this season.

Charlie Hanson

2024-09-27T06:00+01:00

Josh has his sights set on winning silverware with the under-21s this season. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

Josh Duffus puts his strong start to the new season down to a change in attitude.

The men’s under-21s forward will be hoping to add to his three goals so far this season when Albion take on Middlesbrough this afternoon in the Premier League 2, kick-off 2pm.

The 19-year-old’s form in front of goal started in pre-season, notably netting four goals in a friendly win over Bournemouth.

“I'd say that I’ve found another level. In your first year in the under-21s it can be quite hard, there are lots of ups and downs. I made my debut for the first team, but sometimes I wasn’t in the team for the under-21s.

The striker scored four goals in a pre-season friendly win over Bournemouth. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

“This season I’ve tried to show a different attitude, a different mentality and I feel like I'm going into the new season with a different mindset.

“I've bought into the coaches’ approach and they've helped me in terms of like making high intensity runs and getting into the box, which is where you're going to score the most goals. I believe I've done that quite well this season.”

The forward made his first-team debut last season as a substitute in our 1-0 win against AEK Athens in the Europa League. His long-term aim is to try to become a regular face in first-team training as well as win some silverware with the under-21s.

Josh Duffus has scored three goals for the under-21s so far this campaign. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

“I had that opportunity in Athens and I was around the first team quite a bit last season. When I got that experience in Athens, I knew I wanted some more of it. I've come into the season feeling more confident about what I want, to be a part of the first-team group. With a new head coach, I’ve got to show what I've got and hopefully I get the opportunity again.

“Personally, the main aim is to get as much first-team exposure and experience as possible. I just want to be around the group.

“We’re [the under-21s] looking to win trophies, win the league, win the International Cup, win the EFL Trophy. Just try to win as many trophies as we can because we've got that mentality.”