Luton Town centre back Reece Burke is relishing the chance to play in the Premier League and play against ‘top players’ this season.
The defender made his first appearance of the season in a 3-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
He missed the majority of the Hatters’ pre season due to injury as well as the opening fixture against Brighton and Hove Albion.
With the game against Burnley postponed, it gave Burke extra time to recover.
Coming in against the Blues, replacing Mads Andersen, Burke made his first start of the season.
What has Reece Burke said?
Speaking about the game against Chelsea it was clear it had been tough: “He’s [Ben Chilwell] a good player, there were times when he’s running in behind and I have to be aware of my shoulder, but it was a good battle.”
Burke started his career with West Ham United and has always wanted to get back to playing Premier League football.
On this point he said: “I really enjoyed playing against the top players, it’s where I want to be. It’s the same for everybody else and I’m pleased with how the boys did against a good team.”
Playing in the Premier League for the first time, the Luton squad is going to have to improve physically and mentally.
Burke revealed that sessions had become tougher this season: “Training has been really hard, we know the fitness levels need to be raised.
“We’re learning, we’re improving, we’re getting fitter, getting stronger.”
It is not lost on the defender that it is going to be a long hard season.
Playing against top opposition will take its toll: “We need to accept that there’s going to be times in the game where we’re not going to have the ball.
“That means more running, so it’s what we’re working on, it’s what we’re doing.”
Despite this the loss at Stamford Bridge, Burke was happy with certain aspects: “I’m proud of the boys, the way we set up, there were times we were one vs one all round the pitch and the bravery was really good.
“I’m disappointed to lose the game, but we’re learning and improving, each performance is getting better.”
It is clear that every player in the Luton squad has a top mindset and they will hope for a win in the near future.