Raphaël Calvet thinks Brentford’s Development Squad won’t go far wrong if they continue to put in performances like they did against Crystal Palace on Tuesday.
Brentford were too much for The Eagles and scored three goals in the final seven minutes, all from Keshi Anderson, to wrap up a third straight home league win.
The Bees were well worth the three points against a Crystal Palace side who, it appeared, travelled to West London looking for a draw.
Speaking to Bees Player after the game Raphaël felt it was a deserved three points from a game which The Bees had dominated.
The 20-year-old said it is important to get a winning mentality instilled in the Development Squad and performances and results like Tuesday will go a long way in that respect.
“I think we played a good game against a good team,” said Raphaël.
“We played some good football which is good.
“There were lots of positive things as we kept a clean sheet, scored three goals and we played some good football.
“We deserved to win today.
“The gaffer told us at half-time that the most important thing is to win.
“We play football to win so we have to win and play football which we did.
“We defended very well today with the midfield and defence.
“We found it hard to find the striker to begin with but when we did find him that was easier and we played well.
“Crystal Palace played lots of good counter-attacking moves which were dangerous.
“We had lots of time on the ball so we had to be careful of the long-ball.
“Their strikers were strong and quick and dangerous.
“It is a good atmosphere in the Development Squad.
“We have lost a lot of games so we need to win now.
“The manager knows that and he is good so we train hard every day.
“He really wants to win and that is the most important because you have to win.
“We won today so he is happy but more than that we played good football.
“That is the best thing.
“If we play like we did today then it will be fine.”
Raphaël has been employed predominantly as a central defender or right back in his time in England so far but moved to the centre of midfield for the win over Palace.
The 20-year-old said he enjoyed his new role in the centre of midfield and said it allowed him to express a new side to his game.
“I like to play in the midfield,” said Raphaël.
“It is different because you can attack and you can do different things.
“It is a good experience for me.
“You have lots of time on the ball and you can take more risks because you are in the middle.
“It is dangerous because you can take more risks and you can go and score goals but also you can defend so you get to do everything.
“It is different and it is good for me.
“When I was younger I played in the midfield so I knew a little bit.
“At the moment I am playing at centre-back but that is good for me and I am happy.”
Raphaël joined The Bees in the summer of 2013 from AJ Auxerre but had been limited to just one appearance for the first-team so far, a Johnstone’s Paint Trophy defeat to Peterborough United.
The French Youth International admits he would have liked to have seen more first-team action in his time so far.
The former Auxerre player is hopeful of going out on loan this January to help prove himself and get back into contention for the place in Mark Warburton’s first-team plans.
“To be honest I am not in England to play in the Development Squad,” said Raphaël.
“I think I have to play in a first-team.
“The manager told me that I need to play every Saturday in a first-team.
“I think I need to go on loan to play lots of games be ready when he needs me.
“I think I need to go on loan to prove myself.
“I need to play every week and prove myself every day and that is the most important thing.
“I am trying to find something interesting for me.
“I don’t want to go everywhere.
“I am looking for good football at a club where I can progress.”