Could Huddersfield be this seasons surprise package?

Huddersfield Town have made a perfect start to their 2016/17 EFL Championship campaign with 2-1 victories over Brentford and title favourites Newcastle United.

It is understandable with the stature of the relegated Premier League teams as well as last seasons top performing sides, that Huddersfield are not fancied to make the play-offs or achieve promotion by the bookmakers.

In my view though, Huddersfield may well end up surprising a lot of onlookers this season.

Their manager, David Wagner, has now had a full pre-season under his belt to put his stamp on his squad and has done so with some impressive signings.

These incomings include the signing of Jack Payne on a free transfer from Southend after he shone last year, while Danny Ward has joined the Terriers on a season-long loan from Liverpool, after impressing whilst at Aberdeen on loan last season.

Wagner has also brought in Rajiv van La Parra from Championship rivals Wolves and Elias Kachunga on a season-long loan from FC Ingolstadt 04. Their previous transfer record was broken as they brought in Christopher Schindler from 1860 Munich, who had been their captain.

Already on their books are talented players youngsters Joe Lolley and Nahki Wells, the latter had his break through Championship season last year scoring 17 goals.

It is important that the West Yorkshire outfit keep a hold of their top striker, as they will look to him to be their main outlet for goals again this season.

I had the pleasure to watch Huddersfield against Rotherham United at the back end of last season. It ended in a 1-1 draw and even then you could clearly see the influence that Wagner was having on his players.

They played with a high intensity and they passed Rotherham out of the game for a large portion of the encounter.

It was clear to see that the manager has learned well from his friend and his former colleague while at Borussia Dortmund, Jürgen Klopp, who’s style has brought him so much success and adulation during his managerial career so far at Liverpool, Dortmund and FSV Mainz 05.

Their style of play should pay off when playing against the so-called top sides who look to dominate possession. An example of this was shown on Saturday when they faced Newcastle.

Their power and speed on the counter attack may pay dividends throughout the season and help Huddersfield pick up more surprising victories.

Huddersfield finished down in 19th place last season, but I believe that they are in for a much better season this year with a top ten finish definitely on the cards if their key players are kept fit.

The Terriers could potentially go even further and sneak into the play-off places if they are consistent throughout the season and continue with their stunning early season form.

Huddersfield manager, David Wagner, gave his thoughts on his sides chances for the rest of the season in his post-match press conference after their victory over Newcastle:

All 24 teams can challenge in this division. We don’t have any reason to dream. We have every reason to work and this is what we do. I was never a dreamer and I was always a worker which is why I am here at this club, this is a working club. We start again tomorrow.

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