Daizen Maeda has admitted he is still trying to adapt his high-pressing style from Celtic to the demands of the Premier League at Ipswich Town.
The Japan international left the Premiership champions last summer in a deal worth an initial £8million, potentially rising to £10million with add-ons, to join the newly promoted Tractor Boys.
However, the 28-year-old has conceded the switch has been a struggle as he attempts to bring his strengths to the English top flight. He has been benched by boss Gary O'Neil for the club's last two games.
Maeda on the intensity jump
Speaking to media in his homeland ahead of friendlies against Uruguay, Ecuador and Venezuela, Maeda said: "I'm playing at an intensity I've never experienced before. First of all, it's important to get used to it.
"In Scotland my strengths were speed and high pressing, but the intensity is completely different, so I'm trying to figure out how to bring out my strengths in this environment."
Despite the slow start, he insists the move has been positive: "As a player, it's a blessing to be able to play against teams that everyone knows in every match, and although it's tough during the game, there's a joy in playing against such teams.
O'Neil backs Maeda for return
"Of course, because the level is so high, things don't always go well. It's tough during the matches, but there's a certain enjoyment in being able to play against such teams. I've been saying I wanted to go [to the Premier League], so first of all, I want to enjoy it, and right now I want to focus on the national team."
O'Neil has preferred Jack Clarke on the left wing but insists there is a route back for Maeda, who won 10 trophies with Celtic including five Premiership titles. Following the defeat to Everton, he said: "All is fine with Daizen, we have a good squad. We put a 27-man squad together for a reason.
"The team is not set, and it is not like I am stuck on a starting XI. We have gone with Jack for now. It is ever changing based off form and what we can do against the opposition."
