Sondre Tronstad is living out the dream of many Scandinavian youngsters; he is a professional footballer and plays in England – the most popular footballing country in his native Norway.

Having made his debut in the Norwegian top flight with IK Start at the age of 17, Tronstad has not looked back.

With nine appearances in his first season, he capped it all off by scoring Start’s third goal in their 3-1-win against Valerenga at Ullevaal Stadion, Norway’s national arena.

Following this was a transfer to English football and Town, Tronstad admits that the transition was anything but easy.

“The first weeks and months (after moving) are difficult,” said the 19-year-old midfielder.

“I knew that beforehand, and spoke to others who made the move to hear what they’d made of it. It’s tough and you need to be prepared,

“But obviously you cannot always expect how things will be before you’re actually there.

The first three months were difficult, it took time adjusting, the level on the pitch was higher, you are without family and friends, and without the girlfriend to start with.”

“I’m very happy here"

Moving from your home country at age 18 can be a gruelling experience for anyone and Tronstad also quickly realised that not only did he have to mature as a person, but the need for him to mature as a footballer as things happened were done in a different way than he was used to in Norway

“There are huge differences, I think the ball tempo, playing quickly with one or two touches,” he explained,

“There is more pressure, you have less time on the ball and you have to have decided on your next move even before you get the ball. You always have to focused, because if you slip up you’ll get tackled,

“Mentally you also need to be very strong in terms of what’s expected in training and on match days. It’s tough.

“It takes a lot out of you, so you need to make sure you’re strong both mentally and physically.”

Despite the initial breaking-in period, Tronstad now believes he has overcome the worst slump and has left the struggles behind him.

“I think I have adjusted to Huddersfield and England quite well. I have friends, and my girlfriend has moved over here now, so that makes it easier,” he added.

“I’m very happy here and things are much easier now than they were last year.

“It’s great when you get over that slump, because after that you feel like you know the town, the players, the style of play and everything else, and this makes things easier.”

Tronstad has yet to feature for the first team, but following impressive displays for the under-21s he featured in the matchday squad away at Bolton earlier this season – and he credits his development to his determination and hunger to succeed at the highest level.

“I was 16 when I made my debut for Start in the Norwegian top flight. I’ve always had my focus on working my socks off and give 100% in everything I do, and make sure to avoid distractions,” he said.

“I have always had set goals for my development and looked to players such as Kristofer Hæstad (ex-Wigan Athlewtic) and Fredrik Strømstad, who were great players at my club, and I wanted to become like them and develop like them.

“That may have been the main reason alongside hard work. 100% dedication.”

Tronstad belongs to a generation of Norwegian that are currently turning heads in international football.

Spearheaded by 16-year-old sensation Martin Ødegaard who recently signed for Real Madrid, there are also Mats Møller Dæhli who recently left Cardiff for Freiburg in the German Bundesliga, Joshua King at Blackburn Rovers and midfielder Fredrik Ulvestad has recently signed for Burnley in the Premier League.

“It’s looking much better in Norway when it comes to youngsters who seem to learn quicker and master the level quicker,” said Tronstad,

“You see how this new generation is coming through and you have many good young players who have worked hard and learnt from other good players in Europe who are of world class. They takes this with them to the park, they develop and they become very good.”

Tronstad describes himself as a ‘technical midfielder who is good with the ball at his feet, and someone who always gives 100% in every challenge both in matches and during training’.

"I’ve experienced so much"

Having overcome a tough settling-in period and getting used to a new culture he hopes to be able to show this in first team soon.

The problems are a thing of the past, and he believes that he will be able to develop for the initial difficulties

“Even though I haven’t made my debut for the first team, I’ve experienced so much and learnt so much.

“I feel I have developed as a player, and would almost say I’m a brand new player now,” he added,

“This is a great place to come and learn, and you experience so many new things. So I’m hoping for a positive future.”

This is Norwegian football:

The Norwegian top division (Tippeligaen) is made up of 16 teams and the league is played from April to November, with a short break in July.

Norway also have it’s own cup tournament which history stretches all the way back to 1902.

The Norwegian national team’s biggest accolade is Bronze at the 1936 Olympics, as well as reaching the Round of 16 at the World Cup in 1998, beating Brazil in the group stage to do so.

Norway’s biggest clubs:

Rosenborg BK

Norway’s most successful club from the city of Trondheim. Have won 22 league titles, winning 13 times in a row from 1992 to 2004.

They have made the group stage of the Champions League 11 times, reaching the quarter-finals in 1996/1997. At the height of their powers they defeated AC Milan at the San Siro and Real Madrid at home at Lerkendal.

Molde FK

The reigning league- and cup champions. Known as the eternal runner-up, they were finally elevated to champions when ex-player Ole Gunnar Solskjær returned to the club in 2011. Since then they have solidified their spot at the top of Norwegian football.

Viking FK

From the city of Stavanger. Knocked Chelsea out of the UEFA Cup in 2002/2003. Had their glory days in 1970s, but are chasing their first domestic trophy since their cup triumph in 2001.

Were managed by current England manager Roy Hodgson in 2004 to 2005.

Vålerenga

The only club from Norway’s capital, Oslo, in the Tippeliga. Currently struggling financially, but finished sixth last season despite their problems.

League champions in 2005 and cup champions in 2008, they are currently managed by Kjetil Rekdal, the man who scored the match-winning penalty against Brazil at the World Cup in 1998.

Three Norwegian players Huddersfield Town should have an extra look at, according to Sondre Tronstad:

Kasper Skaanes – Midfielder – Brann

He’s a quick winger, good 1-v1, easy to get the ball and in constant movement. He has great rhythm to his game.

Iver Fossum – Midfielder – Strømsgodset

He is a great player and he was in their first team last season. I have played a bit with him for the youth national teams, and he’s a good player. He’s technical, the game flows with him. He was a bit in the shadow of Martin Ødegaard, but he did some fantastic work for Strømsgodset.

Bård Finne – Striker - 1. FC Köln

Another one I have played with in the national youth teams. He is very quick and reminds me a bit of Kasper Skaanes In terms of that. He’s a good striker and scores plenty of goals. He can also set them up and is a goal threat in general. He’s good at taking his man on, good with ball at his and technical.