Huddersfield News: Christopher Schindler is a real bargain - Chris Lowe

CHRIS LOWE concedes he barely knew the name of countryman Christopher Schindler when the pair teamed up under fellow German David Wagner with Huddersfield at the start of last season.

Huddersfield star Chris Lowe believes Christopher Schindler has easily adapted in the PremGETTY

Huddersfield star Chris Lowe believes Christopher Schindler has easily adapted in the Prem

But as Huddersfield’s defence continued their impressive start to life in the Premier League with their fourth clean sheet in six games at Turf Moor, Schindler is beginning to look like a force in this division.

The £1.8million Wagner paid German second division side Munich 1860 already appears absurdly good business, especially as the centre-half scored the penalty that clinched promotion in the Wembley play-off shoot-out with Reading in May.

And full-back Lowe concedes that the ease with which Schindler has adapted to the top flight is surprising even the man himself.

“He’s maybe a bit surprised how well he’s played in the first six games,” said Lowe. “He is at the minute our outstanding player. He’s like a rock in defence. 

“It’s good to have him in our team and we hope he can continue those performances over the season.

“I didn’t know him in Germany. I knew his name and I knew he played at 1860 Munich, but that’s it.

He’s maybe a bit surprised how well he’s played in the first six games

Huddersfield star Chris Lowe

“When the manager signed him he had played twice in teams relegated from the second to the third division in Germany, so he had not the best time in Germany. But since he joined us he has just been really amazing.”

Even more amazing given their three goals against this season is bettered only by the Manchester clubs, Huddersfield’s goalkeeper and entire back four at Turf Moor cost a total of £5.3m.

Wagner scoured the lower divisions in Germany, and elsewhere in Europe, unearthing players largely unrated, unwanted or with a point to prove. So far it has been an impressive, if unorthodox, recipe.

“Maybe we are not totally blind in our recruitment and in Germany about players, even in Bundesliga Two,” said Wagner. 

“For me it’s not a surprise what Schindler has shown in the first six games because I have seen it all last when he played very well. He’s adapting to the Premier League and becoming more in focus and more people are recognising what a great centre-back he is. 

“The biggest key for this team in keeping four clean sheets in six is that everyone feels and has shown responsibility for the defensive work, whether they are a defender, a midfielder, an attacker or whatever.

Aaron Moy finishes brilliantly for Huddersfield

“Everyone is ready to make the dirty yards, the hard yards and the end result is four clean in six games. If your payback is success, then you are open to doing it again and again and again – that helps you grow in confidence.” 

The only disappointment for Wagner was the behaviour of substitute Rajiv van La Parra whose blatant dive earned him a booking and widespread criticism from his own manager and Burnley’s Sean Dyche.

For Burnley, who have also made a solid start to the campaign, the continued improvement of former Belgium international Steven Defour, a disappointment in his debut season, was a major plus.

Fellow midfielder Jack Cork said: “He’s a very good technical player. You can tell he always wants the ball.

“He always wants to play good football. He’s a clever player and I’m really enjoying playing with him. He works hard and you can always rely on him for a bit of quality to give you something special.”

BURNLEY (4-4-1-1): Pope 7; Lowton 7, Tarkowski 7, Mee 7, Ward 8; Arfield 6 (Berg Gudmundsson 77), Cork 6, Defour 9, Brady 6; Hendrick 6 (Barnes 74); Wood 6. Booked: Tarkowski, Cork, Arfield. NEXT UP: Everton (a) Sun, PL.

HUDDERSFIELD (4-2-3-1): Lossl 7; Smith 7, Jorgensen 8, Schindler 9, Lowe 7; Hogg 7 (Billing 80), Mooy 7; Kachunga 6 (Hadergjonaj 88), Sabiri 6 (van La Parra 63, 6), Ince 6; Depoitre 6. Booked: Sabiri, van la Parra. NEXT UP: Tottenham (h) Sat, PL.

Referee: Chris Kavanagh.

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