Krisztián Hegyi was in a reflective mood as he returned to Rush Green last week.
The 21-year-old goalkeeper was at West Ham United for a final week of training before the summer break, having spent the 2023/24 season on loan – the first half with EFL League One side Stevenage, the second with FC Den Bosch in the Dutch second-tier.
Such experiences are crucial for any young player, but what does Hegyi feel he has learnt across the past 12 months?
“Overall, it was really good,” he said. “I got a lot of game time in Holland and played all the games when I was available, so I was happy to make the switch in January.
“The team was at a good standard, and it has helped me develop my skills, especially with my feet. I wanted to go on loan to a team that could help me develop as a goalkeeper but also with my feet as well, so I was happy with my time there and it helped me massively.
“I think the game was a lot quicker than U21s football and I think I had to get up to that speed as quickly as possible.”
Hegyi can hold his head high when looking back at the past year. He starred in a penalty shootout win for Stevenage on his debut, and kept a clean sheet in over a third of his 17 games in Holland.
Moving into a senior dressing room is not easy, although the Budapest native has more experience than most his age.
He was part of the travelling party across West Ham’s UEFA Europa Conference League win last June, while on the international stage, he regularly plays with Hungary U21s and has often trained with his nation’s senior team.
“I have been around a lot of first-team environments, including the Europa Conference League win last June,” he continued.
“I have also been across the age groups with Hungary, but I think it was important for me to get a taste of senior football this season, having been with West Ham U21s and training with the first team last year.
“I think that experience helped me going into a senior dressing room this season and how important it is how you act.”
Goalkeepers, though, know their route to the first team is often longer than outfield players. Experience, after all, counts for everything between the sticks and as such goalkeepers often reach their peak in their early 30s.
Hegyi realises time is on his hands, then. He is ready to put in the hard yards whether that involves another loan or time at Rush Green next season. Whatever challenge lies ahead, he’s prepared for it.
He added: “I think the most important thing I have learnt is to keep performing consistently on and off the pitch whatever you’re doing.
“Next season, I am not sure what is happening, but I want to get as many games in as possible so if that means going out on loan again, I’m happy with that.”
