Martin Valjent says he’s benefitted from further experience with his native Slovakia during the international break.
The defender helped the Repre reach the European Championship 2020 play-off finals with a penalty shootout win over Ireland before then featuring twice in the UEFA Nations League, and believes representing his country has helped him develop both on and off the pitch.
“We played the first game against Ireland and won on penalties,” he told club media. “We got through to the next phase which is the final where we will play for a spot in the European Championship.
“The two following games in the UEFA Nations League weren't as good. However, tough games like that are always, for me, an important experience and very valuable for my growth. At this level, you’ve got to grow quickly.”
A play-off final against Northern Ireland now awaits Slovakia in November for a place in the European Championships, and Valjent hopes to achieve a personal ambition by securing qualification.
“We’re looking for whatever way we can best prepare for next month,” he continued. “Each of us are right now with games of our club teams, but of course, it’s a great feeling. If we can achieve it, it will be a huge success.
“I’ve had the luck of playing in the Under-21s European Championships and we did really well. It was an experience which I still carry inside of me today. It's very exciting. I can only imagine what it’s like to play in the European Championship, but you have to grow even more still.”
